Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has received thousands of defectors from various opposition political parties into the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reaffirming his loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he expressed commitment to strengthening the party across Kogi State.
The mass defection took place on Saturday, in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area, where party leaders and supporters gathered for the APC rally.
The decampees, drawn from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Labour Party (LP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) were officially welcomed into the APC by Governor Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello and other leaders of the party.
Governor Ododo described the defection as a landmark moment in the political history of the state, noting that it was a clear indication of the people’s growing confidence in the APC and the leadership of President Tinubu.
“We are here today because someone gave us a platform. I want to thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his guidance and leadership. We in Kogi State are not ingrates. We are not hungry and we are not angry. If anyone says Nigerians are hungry and angry, we are not part of them,” he said.
He further expressed gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Bello for his role in laying a solid foundation for the APC in Kogi state, promising to uphold his legacy of good governance and party loyalty.
Ododo assured the new members of the APC of equal, fair treatment and full integration into the party’s structure.
The Governor who reassured the people of working hard to guarantee a safe and secure Kogi State, warned against indiscriminate sale of land without due diligence and other tendencies that encourage criminal elements in the area by traditional rulers and other members of the community.
Receiving the decampees, Acting National Chairman of the APC, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, represented by the party’s National Vice Chairman, North Central, Muazu Bawa Rijau described their decision to rejoin the party as a wise and welcome move.
“We are excited to have you join our great party. The APC remains the strongest political platform in Nigeria today, thanks to the visionary leadership of President Tinubu and the efforts of our governors,” he stated.
Also speaking, former Governor Yahaya Bello applauded the return of the defectors, saying Kogi was gradually becoming a one-party state due to the developmental strides of the government and unity of the APC in the state.
“Though President Tinubu does not support the idea of a one-party system, Kogi is becoming one under the APC because of the trust and performance we have demonstrated,” he added.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of APC flags to the decampees signifying the commencement of fresh mobilisation efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.