Ifeanyi Okowa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Delta north, says he withdrew his support for former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in favour of President Bola Tinubu because he has “seen the light” even as he posited that Tinubu is already repeating in Nigeria, the exemplary work he did as Lagos Governor.

The former governor of Delta state, at the weekend , said this at the APC presidential campaign in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers state.

Okowa, who was Atiku’s running mate in the 2023 presidential election, said he joined the ruling party because he believes the Tinubu administration is making difficult but necessary decisions to address Nigeria’s decades-long economic challenges.

“You all know that in 2023 I was on another ticket, but I have seen the light, and I have seen what Mr president is doing for Nigeria,” Okowa said.

“It is the right thing to be done, and I have long ago crossed to the APC to join hands with Mr president because he is truly building a new Nigeria.

“When the foundation is broken, you cannot do anything. Mr president realises that successive administrations have broken the foundations of Nigeria. And today, we are on the right course because that foundation is being put right.”

The former governor said the federal government’s fiscal reforms increased revenue allocations to states and local governments.

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“Today, our states and local governments are doing so well because Mr president has continued to mobilise resources for various states and our local governments,” Okowa said.

“We no longer talk about people owing salaries; we no longer talk about people owing pensioners. Our local governments are doing projects, our states are doing projects, and we can pay salaries.

“Only a man who understands a nation’s economy can do this. The wonders that were done in Lagos are already being done in our country, Nigeria.”

The Campaign Council of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kebbi State has promised to pursue legal processes against those identified as being behind alleged violence and intimidation of its members in the state during the visit of the party’s presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The Director-General of the council, Hon. Sani Tadurga, confirmed this at a press conference in Birnin Kebbi.

Tadurga, who commended ADC members for their resilience and peaceful conduct during the presidential candidate’s visit, disclosed that the party had gathered evidence to be used in pursuing legal action against those behind the violence.

According to him: “The ADC Kebbi State Campaign Council cannot overlook the disturbing incidents that nearly marred the visit of Atiku Abubakar and the ADC Presidential Campaign Delegation on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

“What should have been a peaceful exercise of democratic participation was characterised by violence, intimidation, destruction of property, obstruction of campaign activities and reported interference with traditional institutions.

“These developments raise serious questions about political tolerance, the use of state influence and the commitment of the Kebbi State Government to democratic competition.

“Approximately twenty vehicles belonging to our members and supporters were damaged, with windscreens and other glass components shattered. Several persons have been fingered in these dangerous but desperate acts.

“Our supporters, including women, also suffered the forceful seizure of their phones and bags. Several members were physically assaulted. Some sustained machete cuts to their heads, while others were flogged with heavy sticks.

“These were serious assaults on citizens exercising their constitutional rights. We have video footage and other evidence documenting some of these incidents. Persons allegedly involved have also been identified. We will preserve and submit the available evidence to the appropriate authorities.

“We will not resort to public naming or vigilante justice just yet. We welcome the reported condemnation of the violent acts of our opponents by Amnesty International following its examination of video footage.

“We wish to reiterate that the ADC is a law-abiding party. We seek justice, not revenge. But our peaceful disposition must never be mistaken for weakness.”

Tadurga also revealed that stones were thrown at vehicles and people at the residence of the party’s governorship candidate, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

“The situation became sufficiently dangerous to warrant security intervention to prevent further escalation. We are equally concerned about reports of thugs stationed around the residence of our Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr Musa Zagi, at Argungu.

“Political disagreements must never extend to the homes and private lives of candidates. We demand a thorough investigation and adequate protection for our candidates, their families and supporters,” he requested.

While appealing to members of the party to remain calm, Tadurga said the opposition party would pursue its complaints to their logical conclusion.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC, leadership under former Senate President David Mark has filed an appeal against the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on November 5, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1619/2025, involving Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe and the ADC.

In a statement on Friday, the embattled opposition party disclosed that it had also filed an application for a stay of execution pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

“INEC was formally notified of these steps on November 6 and urged to refrain from taking further action on the subject matter while the appeal is pending.

“The application for a stay of execution has not yet been determined. INEC must, therefore, exercise restraint. It must not act as though the appeal and stay application do not exist or take any step that could pre-empt the Court of Appeal and undermine the proper resolution of the matter. The commission must respect the judicial process and allow the appellate court to hear the case.

“The ADC is exercising its lawful right to appeal. The judgement is now being challenged before a higher court, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course. We expect INEC to uphold the law and take full account of the pending proceedings before making any consequential decisions.

“To our members, supporters and Nigerians who believe in democracy: remain calm, steadfast and confident. This is not the end of the road. The ADC is taking every lawful step to defend its rights, and we will not be intimidated or distracted from that responsibility. Our commitment to Nigerians and their right to choose remains firm.

“Our campaigns continue without interruption. There is no stopping the affordability train or our mission to make life better for Nigerians. We will continue taking our message to the people as we pursue every lawful avenue to defend our rights.

“We are confident that the facts and the law will receive a full hearing. The ADC will continue to pursue this matter through the courts and stand for a democratic process in which every party and every voter is treated fairly.”

The Federal High Court had before now, sacked the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC, effectively putting the candidacy of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in jeopardy ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Opposition parties have jointly rejected the court judgement, describing it as an attack on democracy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar and 16 other presidential candidates are seeking to contest the 2027 presidential election.