By By Dada Ahmed &Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Lokoja..
In what appeared as a calculated show of unity and political strength, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, on Saturday, threw its full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, endorsing both for second terms in office ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Our correspondent reports that the declaration, described by many as “the mother of all rallies,” brought together party stalwarts from across the 21 local government areas of the state at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, in a carnival-like atmosphere of music, dance, and solidarity chants.
The rally, organized by APC stakeholders under the chairmanship of Senator Smart Adeyemi, climaxed with two symbolic motions, one endorsing President Tinubu and the other backing Governor Ododo for another term, both moved by former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and seconded by Senator Adeyemi and the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, respectively.
In his remarks, Bello, who led the endorsement, described the move as a demonstration of loyalty and gratitude to President Tinubu for his sacrifices for Nigeria’s democracy.
“We are here for one purpose, to endorse our father, leader, and mentor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for a second term in 2027,”
“We have three reasons for this. Tinubu laid his life for democracy, he has mentored this generation of leaders, and he is the visionary founder of the APC. Above all, he carries divine grace that no one can resist,”Bello declared.
Bello added that the endorsement of Governor Ododo reflected the people’s confidence in his leadership, describing him as “a loyal disciple of Tinubu who has taken the state on a path of continuity and progress.”
“We have three reasons why Kogi state is endorsing President Tinubu, He has laid his life for democracy in Nigeria. Tinubu as a person has remained persistent and consistent in his believes for Nigerian progress
“Secondly, President Tinubu is a humanist, a leader without boundary, he has mentored this generation of democrats like us, and he gave us the opportunity to be where we are in Kogi state.
“Thirdly, Tinubu is the founder of APC in Nigeria, without his vision and progressive ideas there would not have been APC in Nigeria and Africa today.
“Above all, Tinubu was created with a special grace of God, and no one can fight that grace and succeed. I therefore everyone who love this country to support president Tinubu second term in office,”he said.
Delivering a welcome address, Senator Adeyemi said the event was historic in Kogi’s political trajectory, emphasizing that the turnout and unity demonstrated the APC’s readiness to sweep future elections in the state.
“We are gathered to endorse our performing President and Governor.
“From the crowd here today, it’s clear that APC in Kogi is fully prepared for 2027. The opposition has nothing to offer beyond propaganda, while Tinubu and Ododo are building for the benefit of ordinary Nigerians,”Adeyemi said.
He listed Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in job creation, economic diversification, poverty reduction, student loan initiatives, and social security as key reasons for the endorsement, asserting that the APC remains “the only party with a clear vision to rebuild Nigeria.”
In his acceptance remarks, Governor Ododo thanked the people of Kogi State for their show of solidarity and assured them of his commitment to good governance.
“Under my leadership, Kogi is replicating the good work of President Tinubu.
“The infrastructural projects and social policies we are implementing are themselves a campaign for the President’s re-election. Tinubu doesn’t need to campaign in Kogi, our performance speaks for him.,”he said.
The rally also witnessed solidarity messages from several APC leaders, including State Chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, House of Representatives member Hon. Halims Abdullahi, former National Women Leader Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa, and former Assembly Speaker Prince Matthew Kolawole, all reaffirming their commitment to sustaining the Tinubu-Ododo political alliance.
Beyond politics, The Reporters reports that petty traders leveraged the crowd-pulling occasion to sell wares,foods, snacks,pure water and drinks among others while most of them.smiled home.
