Former candidate of the Action Alliance (AA) in the Kogi State 2023 Governorship election, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, today formally dumped the party to pitch tent with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at an elaborate ceremony in Kabba on Saturday during the official defection, Braimoh said his decision to join ADC was borne out of his desire to bring change to the leadership terrain of Kogi state.

He said with the caliber of persons in the party, the ADC coalition presents the platform under which he believes his vision of a new Kogi state can be actualized.

Braimoh who disclosed that he had resigned his membership of his party called on Kogites to be a part of the moving ADC train in the state.

“The opportunity for the coalition and the need to have like minds work together to move the mountain of poverty and visionless leadership from our dear state, Kogi, motivated me to join ADC and the party is also a bigger and better platform to contest.

“Kogi state is below in terms of leadership performance considering the potentials, capacities and intellectual assets that this state possesses. It is like a a case of the worst leading the rest of us while the best of us have not had the opportunity of leading. That is the reason why we decided to join the coalition to move our state forward,” he said.

Braimoh also enjoined Kogites and Nigerians at large to approach Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices and get their permanent voters card (PVC) to enable them perform their franchise in the coming elections, pointing out that the cries for a better Nigeria can only be made possible by Nigerians who are ready to take the bull by the horn by voting and seeking for positions during electioneering period.

The State ADC Chairman, Kingsley Temitope Ogga, described Braimoh’s bold step as a timely right step, stating that the coalition is here to stay and determined to deliver the needed results in the coming elections.

Ogga who noted that Braimoh is a plus to the party in the state, stressed that ADC is united and ready to take centre stage in the next political dispensation in the country, promising Nigerians that the party will present righteous and credible leaders that will serve with the fear of God.

“ADC has the sympathy of the citizens at heart and by the time Nigerians give us power, they will see what we will do for the good of all,” Ogga stated.

Braimoh was presented with the party’s membership card to symbolise his official defection to ADC.

The African Democratic Congress ADC in Ward 4, of Yagba East Local Government has reaffirmed the membership of the member representing Yagba Federal constituency, Hon. Leke Abejide.

Aside that, the ward member also eulogized the Reps member for his stewardship towards the party at the grassroots level, especially from his home ward.

The development is coming on the heel of a purported suspension of the Rep member by a faction of the party at the state level on Monday.

The position of his ward was made known in a communique issued at the end of an extraordinary meeting of the ADC Ward 04 on Tuesday, August 05, 2025.

The communique which was made available to newsmen in Lokoja shortly after the meeting was signed by the Ward Chairman and Secretary, Moshood Fadumila and Sola Bashir Sunday

“The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ward 04 Yagba East Local Government area of Kogi State hereby reaffirmed the membership of Hon. Elder Leke Abejide, Member of the House of Representatives, representing Yagba Federal constituency.

‎”Since his induction into the party, Hon. Leke Abejide has demonstrated unwavering loyalty, dedication, and commitment to the ideals and objectives of our great party. His relentless efforts at the ward level have significantly contributed to strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and expanding our outreach.

‎”We particularly commend Hon. Leke Abejide for his exemplary service in mobilizing party supporters, fostering unity among diverse groups, and championing the interests of his constituents with integrity and passion. His contributions have not only enhanced the party’s influence within the ward but have also set a high standard for effective leadership and representation.

‎”The party leadership appreciates his continuous support and invaluable role in advancing our collective goals. We reaffirm our confidence in his ability to drive positive change and uphold the party’s principles both in the House of Representatives and at the grassroots.

‎”Under his leadership, the Ward has consistently returned the highest votes in any election; and no reasonable party will joke with such leader.

‎”Beyond his grassroots engagements, Hon. Leke Abejide has also demonstrated exceptional legislative skills, championing policies that reflect the core values and vision of the African Democratic Congress. His commitment to inclusive governance and social justice continues to inspire both his colleagues and constituents alike.

‎”We urge all party members and supporters to continue standing firmly behind Hon. Leke Abejide as he pursues the mission of service and progress for our community and nation.”

In what is seen as a strategic move by the APC to consolidate its hold on power at both the federal and state levels, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected a former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, as its new National Chairman.

The election was held during a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, following his nomination by Governor Hope Uzodimma nominated Yilwatda, which was seconded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.

The motion was then put to a voice vote and passed by NEC members present at the meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

The 56-year-old politician who served as INEC Resident commissioner for Benue State, and current Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction takes over from Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who resigned from the position in June.

His emergence came at a time when the APC aims to consolidate its hold on power at the federal level and in some states whose governors recently defected to the ruling party.

The seasoned academic, digital systems expert, and former APC governorship candidate in Plateau State was a lecturer and ICT Director at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi.

In his acceptance speech, the new APC National Chairman vowed to reposition the party for greater internal unity, digital transformation, and stronger grassroots engagement.

“It is a privilege to serve this party that has shaped Nigeria’s democratic journey. I am committed to ensuring that our platform remains inclusive, forward-looking, and representative of every Nigerian voice.”

Born on 8 August 1968, Yilwatda was appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioner for Benue State by INEC in 2017, where he introduced more accessible and transparent voting systems, particularly for internally displaced persons and persons with disabilities.

His political profile rose in 2022 when he won the APC ticket for the Plateau State governorship race. Despite a narrow defeat in the 2023 general election to PDP’s Caleb Mutfwang, he maintained a strong presence in state and national politics.

With his new role, Prof. Yilwatda is expected to resign from his ministerial post in line with party and constitutional provisions. A formal handover at the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs is expected within days.