By Correspondent in Lokoja.
Few days after former Kogi State Governor, Capt. Ichalla Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 Kogi State election, Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi, has dumped SDP and joined APC.
This move political stakehokders described as generating political tremours across the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on Friday, Abenemi disclosed that his resignation was formally submitted on November 13, 2025, after what he described as “deep and personal reflection” on his political journey and future aspirations.
Abenemi, who was on the 2023 governorship ticket with Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, emphasized that his departure from the SDP was without rancour and he thanked the party for the platform it provided him, especially during the last election, acknowledging his colleagues and supporters.
Revealing the next chapter of his political career, Abenemi confirmed his defection to the APC, citing the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership style of Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, as the driving forces behind his decision.
He noted that he was committed to working with all levels of the APC to strengthen governance and accelerate economic development in Kogi State.
Our correspondent gathered that a grand reception is scheduled for Monday at Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, where Abenemi and other defectors will be officially received by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
