The senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Kogi East, Chief Joseph Ameh Erico, has expressed gratitude to party leaders and members, government officials, and supporters for standing by him during the recently conducted primary election.
He assured them that he would always remain accessible to the people.
Speaking at a ceremony in Ejule, Ofu local government area, on Thursday to celebrate the party’s victory in the recently concluded senatorial primary election, Dr. Erico praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for providing good governance and development across the state.
Chief Erico said he is ready to consolidate on the Governor’s efforts by bringing more development and quality representation to Kogi East. He assured the people that he has the experience and capacity to deliver.
According to him, his humble background and personal struggles while growing up have given him a deep understanding of the suffering and challenges facing ordinary people.
“I know the pain of the people because I have experienced hardship myself,” he said.
Chief Erico also stressed the importance of security, saying that as a security expert, he would work hard to ensure peace and safety across Igala and Bassa land, noting that development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.
He further promised to attract foreign investors, create employment opportunities for youths, and support farmers through improved agricultural programmes.
The APC candidate said his mission is to unite the people and not divide them. And pledged not to disappoint the people if elected in the 2027 general election.
The event was attended by top government officials and party leaders, including the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu; the State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala; the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan; the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba; the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo; commissioners, Council Chairmen, advisers to the Governor, and other officials.
On his part, the Kogi East APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan, thanked party stakeholders across the nine local government areas for supporting Chief Erico, describing him as the right choice for the people.
He expressed confidence that Erico would provide quality representation and improve the lives of the people if elected in 2027.
Also, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area and ALGON Secretary, Hon. Urah John, appreciated party stakeholders for supporting what he described as a grassroots and marketable candidate.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Baby Okwute, said it is time for Ankpa Federal Constituency to produce the next senator, while urging elected officials to always remain loyal to the party hierarchy.
Also speaking, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, described Chief Erico as a humble, accessible, and dependable leader. He called on other aspirants to support him in the interest of unity and progress of Kogi East.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, described Chief Erico as competent and well prepared for the job, urging the people of Kogi East to support him massively in 2027.
In his address, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, thanked APC leaders, stakeholders, and party members for their support and commitment during the Kogi East APC Primary Elections. He congratulated Chief Joseph Ameh Erico for emerging as the party’s senatorial candidate and praising Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, for their leadership, support for democracy, and commitment to party unity.
He said the outcome of the primary election reflected the true wishes of APC members in Kogi East and called on party leaders to respect and protect the decision made by the people. The Deputy Governor also appealed to other aspirants and their supporters to put aside differences and work together with Chief Erico for the progress and unity of Kogi East and the APC.
Comrade Joel Salifu further urged party members to remain united and focused ahead of the general election. He called on youths to avoid violence and political bitterness, while encouraging people to continue supporting the administration of Governor Ododo and President Tinubu, saying unity, and cooperation are necessary for the development of Kogi East and Nigeria.
Highpoint of the event was the defection of Hajiya Akpidi Mariam Habib Yakubu from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling APC alongside over 200 supporters.
She said her decision to join the APC was inspired by the good works of the Governor and her desire to contribute to the progress of the party. She was officially received into the APC by the Kogi East APC Zonal Chairman.
