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A former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, says the recent gale of defections of opposition leaders to the All Progressives Congress, APC, is due to threats of a witch-hunt by the ruling party.

DAILY POST reports that Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, along with his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, several commissioners, and others, last month defected from the PDP to the APC.

There is growing speculation that more governors may follow suit in the near future.

Ologbondiyan, who spoke on on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, stated that the governors and other opposition leaders defecting to the APC are merely seeking refuge to avoid being hounded by the ruling party.

“You must not forget that the former National Chairman of APC told Nigerians that just come over here, we will forgive all your sins, so people are looking for where sins are forgiven,” Ologbodiyan said.

According to him, no matter how many opposition leaders the APC manages to attract, the party will still have to contend with millions of Nigerians in its bid to retain power in 2027.

“But you know one thing, at the end of it all, it is going to be about the Nigerians’ position.

“You may pack all the 36 governors and put them in one boardroom and say they should declare for you. Have you packed the over 200 million Nigerians into the same boardroom? The answer is no,” he said.

Defections: Politicians looking for safe landing – Ologbondiyan

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will visit Abia State on May 23, to among other things, commission the 6.5 kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which was rebuilt by the administration of Governor Alex Otti administration after more than 15 years in dilapidation.

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi disclosed this to journalists while inspecting the damage done at the Osisioma axis of the 56 kilometre Abia Tower of Peace, Umuahia to Rail Flyover, Aba section of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, a different Federal government project.

Umahi expressed joy that work on Port Harcourt Road, Aba, which was left in a dilapidated state over the years, had now been completed by Abia State government, awaiting commissioning by Mr. President.

The Minister commended Governor Otti for not only completing work on the road, but also for the quality job done.

“You know Otti is my relation and doing good while in office runs in our veins, so, I’m not surprised at what he is doing, I would have if he is not doing well,” he stated.

On the damaged portions of the expressway at Osisioma which is said to be about two kilometers long, the Minister directed the Controller of Works of the Ministry in Abia, to stop the contractor handling the underground drainage for Abia State government that caused the damage and report to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja for discussions.

Umahi equally promised to meet and discuss with Governor Otti on the best way to get the issue settled.

The Minister further disclosed that the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway which reconstruction started in 2013, will be completed in November this year and subsequently commissioned by President Tinubu.

Tinubu arrives Abia May 23 to commission Otti’s road project, others – Umahi

Real Madrid have confirmed that Vinicius Junior has suffered an ankle injury.

Vinicius picked up the problem after their 4-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona.

The Brazilian was forced off during the match on Sunday.

The club has now said the 24-year-old has picked up an ankle sprain, but did not state how long he will be sidelined for.

“Following tests carried out today on our player Vinicius Jr. by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a sprained left ankle. The outcome is pending,” an official statement read.

This injury rubs salt into Madrid’s gaping wound after their deflating loss to Barcelona.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men had to beat Barca to keep their title hopes alive. But the loss leaves them seven points adrift with just three fixtures left.

And not having Vinicius Jr will make their task even more improbable.

LaLiga: Real Madrid suffer Vinicius Jr injury blow after Barcelona defeat