Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has expressed confidence that All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge victorious in the Saturday by-election for Okura State Constituency.
Addressing the APC grand rally in Egume, Dekina local government area of Kogi state on Thursday, Governor Ododo said that the turnout of people at the rally indicates an awaiting victory for the APC candidate, Hassan Shado.
Represented by his Deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, he described the APC candidate as a seasoned politician with a proven track record of excellence.
He stated that the state government has established a solid foundation for the party’s success in the election, highlighting numerous achievements as compelling reasons for the electorate’s support of the APC candidate, while declaring a no vacancy in the Aso Rock for 2027 Presidential election.
Governor Ododo called upon the people to demonstrate their appreciation for the good governance of the current administration by casting their votes for the APC candidate in the Okura State Constituency House of Assembly by-election this Saturday.
Among the prominent party leaders who graced the rally were State Auditor General, Yakubu Okala; APC North Central Organizing Secretary, Mallam Siaka Musa; Kogi East APC Acting Zonal Chairman, Abdul Ogwu Alhasan; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; Dekina Council Chairman, Urah John Ikani; Biraidu State Constituency House of Assembly Member, Usman Ochidi; former Dekina federal constituency representative, Hassan Abdullahi; DG Kogi Community Watch and Ancillary Matters, Muhammed Nasiru Alfa; as well as the council chairmen of Idah and Ofu, several Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants to the Governor, government officials, and numerous other party stalwarts.
In his opening remarks, Dekina local government chairman, Hon. Urah John Ikani, said that the gathering is a victory rally rather than a mere grand finale, affirming that the people present at the venue serve as a testament to the candidate’s public acceptance. He stressed that even opposition parties recognize the inevitability of the APC candidate’s victory due to his proven capabilities and popularity.
The Director General of the Campaign, Hon. Ishaq Shaibu Okolo, expressed confidence that approximately 80 percent of the groundwork had been done based on the enthusiastic responses from the populace, assuring a resounding victory in the forthcoming election.
Similarly, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Hassan, the Kogi East APC Acting Zonal Chairman, affirmed that the Constituency faces no challenges or apprehensions regarding the Saturday election, as the government has executed a robust campaign through its numerous achievements, thereby bolstering prospects for success at the polls.
The State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, declared the election a victory already won, appreciating the Governor for his transformative leadership. He further indicated that thousands of opposition party members are ready to defect to the APC due to the commendable works of the current administration, expressing their desire to abandon sinking ships in favor of the All Progressives Congress.
He urged constituents to return home and engage in door-to-door campaigns to finalize the efforts already done, stressing the election’s importance as a litmus test for the 2027 elections.
Welcoming over one thousand new members from the opposition SDP, PDP, and NNPP, Mallam Siaka Musa, the North Central Organizing Secretary of the APC, commended the state government for prioritizing the welfare of its citizens, which has positioned the party advantageously for the upcoming election. He assured the new members of equall opportunities alongside existing party members.
Addressing the party stalwarts, Hon. Hassan Shado, the APC candidate for the Saturday by-election, implored the people to give their support, promising effective representation at the state House of Assembly.
Other influential figures who rallied support for the APC included former Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency House of Representatives Member, Hon. Hassan Abdullahi; Dekina/Biraidu State Constituency House of Assembly Member, Hon. Usman Ochidi; Director General Protocol Government House, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleman; the party’s zonal youth leader, Alhaji Billa; Party Chieftain, Alhaji Rajeb Abubakar, among others.
