By Correspondent in Lokoja.
In a significant development, thousands of members from various political parties in Kogi West have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at an event held at Itedo Makutu open Space, Isanlu, Yagba East LGA. This mass defection is seen as a fulfillment of a promise made by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the APC, showcasing his commitment and loyalty to the party.
The defection ceremony, which took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, highlights Ododo’s influence and the growing appeal of the APC in the region.
Governor Ododo expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the upcoming 2027 polls, citing the party’s unified stance and the goodwill generated by his administration.
During his speech, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “Leaders and members of our great party, we are here today because someone has provided us the platform. On this note, I rise to appreciate His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we want to tell Mr. President that we in Kogi State are not ingrates. I am standing here to tell Mr. President that we in Kogi State, we are not hungry and we are not angry, perhaps anyone says Nigerians are hungry and angry, we are not part of them.”
Governor Ododo also thanked the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, promising to drive his mandate of leadership with him throughout his administration. He warmly welcomed the defectors to the APC, saying, “I welcome all the decampees to the All Progressives Congress (APC).” He also promised to address security challenges in the Yagba East Local Government Area, warning indigenes and traditional rulers to desist from partnering with criminals.
The Acting APC National Chairman, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, represented by Mazu Bawa Rijau, formally welcomed the defectors to the party and handed over the party flag to the Decampees.
He said, “On behalf of people of the National Acting Chairman of our great Party , I formally welcome you to the party.”
Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello also addressed the gathering, saying, “I am here today in this epoch-making event to receive our members who went on an adventure but are back to us now. Despite the intention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to make Nigeria a one-party system, Kogi would be a one-party system.”
He further stressed that Kogi will stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that on June 20, 205 the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the APC National Secretariat reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking during the visit, he expressed deep appreciation to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for their steadfast support, both during his election and in the early days of his administration. Today’s massive defection to All Progressives Congress has proven Governor Ododo as a serial promise Keeper.
The mass defection is proof of Ododo’s good leadership and the APC’s growing strength in Kogi State.
