By Abdulhameed Ivavah.
More than 1,000 political stakeholders and supporters formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a high-energy reception rally in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, declaring that the leadership legacy of former Governor Yahaya Bello and the performance of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo influenced their return.
The rally was convened by the member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, who welcomed the defectors and described the development as a consolidation of progressive forces across the LGA.
A respected Igala elder statesman and political philosopher, Hon. Baba Ali, said his decision to rejoin the APC followed careful observation of governance outcomes in Kogi State.
He eulogised former Governor Yahaya Bello for laying what he called a “solid foundation for good governance,” adding that Bello’s decision to appoint Ododo as Auditor-General created an opportunity for him to understudy Gov Ododo before emerging as governor.
According to Baba Ali, that mentorship has translated into continuity and stability. He told the crowd that the performance of the APC-led administrations convinced him to return and mobilise support for Rt. Hon. Sanni Egidi’s re-election bid, Governor Ododo’s mandate, Yahaya Bello’s senatorial aspiration, and President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid. “Those who know me know I do not say yes today and no tomorrow,” he declared, drawing loud applause.
Former House of Representatives member for Adavi-Okehi Federal Constituency, Hon. Kabiru Ajana, described the defection of the Baba Ali political structure and other Ganaja stakeholders as bold and strategic. He led an open endorsement of Rt. Hon. Sanni Egidi, Governor Ododo, President Tinubu, and Yahaya Bello for Senate, a motion that received unanimous voice approval from the crowd.
In his address, Rt. Hon. Sanni Egidi disclosed that leaders in the Ganaja axis had resolved to open a contribution platform among themselves to support the purchase of the gubernatorial nomination form for Governor Ododo when due. He praised Yahaya Bello’s leadership and assured party faithful that Ajaokuta would deliver bulk votes in appreciation of both Kogi leaders.
He also reassured the new entrants that their decision to join the APC would not be regretted.
The Kogi State Auditor-General, Hon. Okala, pledged to collaborate with Ajaokuta stakeholders in charge to ensure the APC records overwhelming votes in the area, describing himself as part of the Ganaja community since he reside there.
Representing Governor Ododo, Technical Adviser Dr. Abdullahi Ozomata highlighted ongoing and planned interventions in Ajaokuta LGA, particularly referencing the Ajaokuta Free Trade Zone and its projected economic advantages once fully operational. He assured residents that more developmental projects were underway. During the event, the APC flag was formally handed to Dr. Ozomata by the Ajaokuta APC Chairman, who in turn presented it to the leader of the decampees, symbolising their official entry into the party.
The incumbent Local Government Chairman, Hon. Haruna Ogido, spoke on strengthening local security architecture, while the APC Chairmanship Candidate, Hon. Haruna Muhammed, delivered the vote of thanks, assuring the decampees of inclusive leadership and party unity.
The rally attracted members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, permanent secretaries, former local government chairmen, serving political appointees of the governor, former representatives, and other party leaders and stakeholders.
