Former PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, has made a dramatic return to frontline politics, this time under the banner of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that the party he once defended “abandoned” him during his darkest hours.
Metuh’s defection was announced on Sunday at a packed thanksgiving service in Abuja to mark his 60th birthday, where the former spokesman revealed that APC members stood by him when it truly mattered.
The event drew a high-powered crowd, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma; former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim; former Governors Okezie Ikpeazu, Sam Egwu and Ikedi Ohakim; as well as Senators Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye.
Speaking to journalists after the service, Metuh said he was returning to public life to “contribute his quota” to national development, stressing that Nigeria needs a strong opposition to protect its democracy, even as he dismissed fears of a looming one-party state.
Nigeria, he noted, is facing significant challenges, but he pledged to support the current administration where necessary.
“I am trying to make sure that I assist the government at the centre, the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to deliver the goods, the dividends of democracy. I have seen the steps, I have seen the challenges, and as a patriotic Nigerian, I want to join hands in resolving those challenges.”
During his emotional testimony, Metuh recounted how he felt deserted at the peak of his legal troubles.
“When I had problems I did not see my party; I did not see the people I suffered for.
I was in the court with my family. But in the midst of that, somebody who I criticised so much… he sent the speaker of the House of Representatives then, Femi Gbajabiamila to come and see me.”
He described President Tinubu’s outreach during his ordeal as a turning point.
“He reached out to me; he comforted me and he did a lot of things for me then and this was someone who was my political enemy.”
Metuh said he “wished PDP well” but had moved on.
He also insisted that many credible voices, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and David Mark, would ensure Nigeria does not slide into a one-party system.
He further revealed that President Tinubu had approached him several times over the years to join the APC, but he repeatedly declined — until now.
“When I left politics in 2022, he called me to come into his party. And I refused… After he won the election, I went to see him. He called me to enter the party that he needed me. I refused because I stopped politics.”
Now back in the arena, Metuh said he wants to be a constructive voice.
“Maybe I could be a good voice on this side… We need vibrant opposition. We need people to express their views.”
