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In a landmark political event held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Itedo Makutu open space in Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area, thousands of members from various political parties formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), reinforcing the growing dominance of the party in Kogi State.

The mass defection marks a significant turning point in Kogi West’s political landscape and has been widely interpreted as a fulfillment of a promise made by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to strengthen the APC’s grassroots structure across the state. The large turnout and enthusiastic reception at the ceremony highlighted Governor Ododo’s rising influence and the increasing appeal of the APC under his leadership.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Governor Ododo reiterated his unwavering loyalty to the APC and expressed confidence in the party’s chances in the 2027 general elections. He attributed the wave of support to the unified stance of the party and the positive impact of his administration.

“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 declared.

The governor also used the opportunity to appreciate his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his foundational role in the state’s political transformation. “I welcome all the decampees to the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said, reaffirming his commitment to carry forward Bello’s legacy and to address pressing challenges such as security in Yagba East and beyond. He warned traditional rulers and local leaders against collaborating with criminal elements, stressing the government’s zero tolerance for insecurity.

Representing the APC’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, Mazu Bawa Rijau officially received the new entrants into the party. “On behalf of the National Acting Chairman of our great party, I formally welcome you to the party,” Rijau announced as he handed over the party flag to the defectors.

Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, who was also present at the event, welcomed the returning members and emphasized Kogi State’s alignment with President Tinubu’s vision. “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,” Bello asserted. He reaffirmed Kogi’s unwavering support for President Tinubu and his mandate.

The mass defection follows Governor Ododo’s reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC during his June 20, 2025 visit to the APC National Secretariat. At the time, he pledged full support for President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid and lauded the National Working Committee (NWC) for their continued support of his administration.

With thousands now joining the APC in Kogi West, political analysts see this as a major boost to the party’s strength in the state. The event not only underscores Governor Ododo’s ability to deliver on his promises but also positions the APC as the dominant political force in Kogi ahead of the 2027 elections.

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