Thousands of members from various political parties in Kogi West senatorial have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking at the defection ceremony held at Itedo Makutu Open Space, Yagba East local government on Saturday, Governor Ahmed Usman 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.
Governor noted that contrary to nation-wide cries of hunger, the people of Kogi state are not hungry.
“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,” he said.
Governor Ododo also thanked the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, promising to drive the 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 defectors.
Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, who also addressed the gathering, said Kogi is becoming a one-party state.
“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 stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Among the defectors were former members of the House of Representatives, Chief Samuel Bamidele Aro and Chief Tolorunju Faniyi. Also, a former Chairman of Yagba East LGA, Hon. Salawudeen Ganiyu Erukutu and Commodore Folusho Daniel joined the large number of persons who joined APC in Isanlu.
