Politics
Kogi APC Gains More Support As Former Reps Member, Others Join In Mass Defection
In a significant development towards consolidating their dominance, the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, on Saturday received thousands of members of various political parties in Kogi West who defected at an event held at the 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 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.
Addressing the mammoth crowd at the event, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that his policies and programs have resonated amongst the people.
“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.
“On behalf of people of the National Acting Chairman of our great Party , I formally welcome you to the party.”
Former Governor Yahaya Bello also addressed the gathering, emphasising that the defectors’ decision to decamp was a testament to the laudable policies and programs of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“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 keep standing on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieve resounding victory in subsequent elections.
Core News recalls that on June 20, 2025 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.
One of the defectors, Otunba Samuel Bamidele Aro, a former member of the House of Representatives expressed satisfaction with the manifestos of the party, and promised to support the party in its mission to reposition the State, and Nigeria at large.
“We are pleased to announce our return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ward level.
Otunba Aro said his decision to rejoin the APC was a demonstration of his commitment to the party’s ideals and his desire to contribute to its progress.
He and other decampees promised to strengthen the party and contribute to the growth of the State.
The decampees therefore pledged their loyalty and support to the ruling party, noting that they are ready to work for the success of the APC in future elections.
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.