Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr Bashiru Gegu, led party stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to receive scores of defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC in Kogi Local Government Area.
The political realignment took place during a rally held in Koton-Karfe, where top PDP executives including the party chairman, secretary and other key officials formally announced the collapse of PDP structures across the 11 wards, with over 500 members of the PDP in Kogi LGA decamping to the APC.
Addressing the rally, Engr. Gegu attributed the wave of defections to the growing influence of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the APC’s commitment to grassroots development.
He noted that the administration’s prompt payment of salary, youth and women empowerment schemes, improved security, and infrastructure projects across the state have endeared the party to the people.
“What we are witnessing is not forced; it’s the people deciding for themselves. They are joining the coalition of good governance, the coalition of progress, and the coalition of development. APC is no longer a party. It is a movement of the people in Kogi local government area,” he stated.
Also, speaking at the event, the APC Chairman in Kogi local government area, Hon. Abubakar Onah described the mass defection as the final collapse of the PDP in the area.
He emphasized that with this development, the APC now enjoys complete political dominance in the local government.
“Our victory in 2027 is already secured. The people are not just joining a party. They are joining a proven leadership structure that works. Bashiru Gegu is not just a commissioner, he is a coalition of achievement,”
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, a former PDP leader from Odaki Ward, Hon. Sule said his decision to join the APC was based on performance.
He stressed that remaining in the PDP had become frustrating due to lack of direction, while APC was offering tangible development.
“I came with my supporters not just anyone, but people who can deliver results. In my unit, we recorded the highest result ever during the last election. That’s because APC has shown us leadership we can trust,” he said.
Another notable defector and a major stakeholder in Kogi PDP, Hon. Abdullahi Zekeri confirmed that the PDP no longer exists in Kogi LGA, as virtually all the key figures have joined the APC.
“From the chairman to the secretary and other ward leaders, there’s no PDP anymore. The structure has collapsed. We are now with Bashiru Gegu and Governor Ododo to move our people forward,” he said.
