From Yahaya Umar, Lokoja
In a historic political realignment, all opposition political leaders in Imane District in Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State have officially joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The massive defection marks a new dawn for political unity, peace and progress in the area.
Receiving the decampees on behalf of Governor Ahmed Ododo, the Zonal Chairman of APC for Kogi East, Ogwu Alhassan, described the event as a major achievement for democracy and the ruling APC at the state and national levels.
Alhassan noted that the APC has come to stay, assuring all decampees that they will now enjoy equal rights and opportunities within the party.
He urged them to work tirelessly for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo, as well as all APC candidates at the national and state levels.
Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Ben Adaji, one of the founding members of APC in Kogi State and a former aspirant for the House of Representatives, explained that their decision to return to the party stemmed from the good work of Governor Ododo and his unwavering effort in trying to reconcile the entire people of Kogi State.
He promised that they would work for the victory of President Tinubu and Alhaji Ododo in the forthcoming elections.
Adaji noted that they had earlier left the APC for Social Democratic Party, SDP, because of marginalisation, deprivation and victimisation by the former leaders of APC in Kogi State, particularly the former Deputy Governor, Mr Edward Onoja and his group.
He commended the Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka for his efforts to reconcile and unite the party in Kogi State.
According to Adaji, “Comrade Edoka is working tirelessly with renewed efforts to reach out, reconcile and reintegrate opposition figures with the ruling party because some of us left the party due to lack of internal democracy.
“I am happy with the developmental strides of Governor Ododo, his humility and good intentions for Kogi State”, he said.
He disclosed that the major reason they left the APC was a breakdown of leadership trust under previous representatives, adding that the present administration under Governor Ododo has restored that trust through transparency, inclusiveness and developmental focus.
He added, “With the appointment of Comrade Edoka and the new leadership trajectory in the state, we have every reason to return home. Politics is about development and we are ready to join hands with government for the progress of our people.”
Another prominent leader among the decampees, Dr Edoka Muhammed, stated that he and many others were attracted to the APC by the humility, visionary leadership and developmental drive of Governor Ododo.
He highlighted the governor’s commitment to infrastructural development, human capital investment and inclusive governance as tangible proof that the administration is people-centered.
He described Comrade Edoka as “a goal-getter and a trusted brother who delivers results under pressure”.
Muhammed assured that their return to the APC was total and unconditional, stressing that there would be no going back.
In his remarks, the special adviser expressed deep appreciation to the returning members for realising the truth he had long been preaching, adding that APC remains the most reliable platform for development and unity in Kogi State.
He described their return as a moral and political booster, not only for himself, but for the entire Imane District and the Ododo-led administration. He promised that all new members would be carried along in the scheme of things, emphasizing that no one would be left behind.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Ayebe, encouraged the new members to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the party, noting that leadership is collective and that progress can only be achieved through teamwork and loyalty.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area, Williams Ameh, congratulated the decampees and described their decision as timely and strategic.
He assured them of more opportunities within the party and urged them to actively participate in the ongoing mobilisation for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo, declaring that their victory is sacrosanct.
