A former Kogi State Commissioner for Information and prominent media strategist, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of APC NewsOnline, an online media platform affiliated with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This development comes shortly after Ohikere formally defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a move he described as driven by “strong ideological conviction.”
In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Ohikere said his resignation and defection were necessitated by a growing divergence between his political and economic philosophies and the current policy direction of the APC-led government.
“After intense reflection and conscientious scrutiny, I am satisfied to hand over the platform to Ritchie Otonoku, a staunch APC chieftain and communication entrepreneur,” Ohikere stated.
He added that while he still believes in APC NewsOnline’s potential as a strategic media vehicle, his ideological realignment no longer allows him to continue as its face or custodian.
Ohikere officially handed over the platform’s leadership and management to Mr. Ritchie Otonoku, describing him as the “most suitable candidate” after carefully reviewing takeover bids.
“A veteran communication strategist, politician, and entrepreneur, I ardently believe he possesses the ideological rigour, administrative capacity, and political capital to seamlessly execute the arduous requirements of this role without deviating from its founding principles,” he said.
He also appealed to the platform’s stakeholders and readers to cooperate with and support the new leadership, assuring them that the platform would continue to deliver value as it has under his stewardship.
Dr. Ohikere, known for his strong media presence and loyalty to the APC, was a former Director of Support Groups North for the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) and a key ally of the late Prince Abubakar Audu and Hon. James Faleke.
Analysts see his defection to the ADC as a notable shift in Nigeria’s political realignment ahead of the next election cycle, especially given his history of involvement in grassroots mobilisation and strategic communication.
While he noted that his reasons for leaving the APC remain “personal,” Ohikere emphasised that his decision was in the best interest of political integrity and ideological consistency.
“Since I cannot take the brand name with me to my new political family, the responsibility is to ensure that APC NewsOnline remains in the hands of a bona fide member of the APC.”
