In a landmark display of unity and momentum by key political actors in Kogi State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election in the 2027 general elections.
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‎The endorsement was announced during a mega rally held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja.
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‎The event which attracted thousands of party faithfuls, supporters and stakeholders from across the state set the pace for nationwide mobilization in support of President Tinubu and also reaffirms statewide support Governor Ododo’s leadership, sending a strong signal of early momentum for the APC ahead of the next election cycle.
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‎Kogi State APC Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Bello, hailed the massive turnout as a gathering of well-meaning Kogites united in celebrating developmental strides of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo.
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‎“We have gathered here under our supreme leader to say one good turn deserves another. President Tinubu and Governor Ododo must come back in their positions in the 2027 general elections,” Bello declared.
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‎He commended the leader of the APC in Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a solid foundation for the party in the state—an effort he said directly contributed to the large turnout for the endorsement rally.
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‎In an emotional speech, immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, paid tribute to the state’s fallen heroes and founding fathers who laid the groundwork for Kogi’s growth and development.
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‎He described the endorsement of both President Tinubu and Governor Ododo as rooted in their people-oriented policies across critical sectors such as agriculture, education, and security.
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‎”President Tinubu is a man of integrity and grace, whose service to humanity cuts across ethnic and religious divides,” Bello said. “He is consistent and trustworthy—a man who, alongside the late Prince Abubakar Audu, laboured to entrench the APC in Kogi State.”
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‎Bello praised Governor Ododo as a worthy successor who has recorded significant achievements in under two years, especially in agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
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‎He then moved the motion for the official endorsement of President Tinubu, which was seconded by Senator Smart Adeyemi.
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‎Similarly, Governor Ododo also received a rousing endorsement with a motion moved by the former Governor and seconded by the speaker of the Kogi state House, Honourable Aliyu Umar.
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‎”This is the first state in Nigeria to host such a massive rally and endorse the President and the Governor for re-election. We urge other states to follow suit. We are telling our leader and father: run again, and we will stand by you,” he said.
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‎Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, visibly moved by the groundswell of support, expressed profound gratitude to the APC leadership and the people of Kogi State for the support for President Tinubu and himself.
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‎“This endorsement is not just a vote of confidence—it is a call to serve more diligently. Under the leadership of President Tinubu and the foundational guidance of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Kogi is growing and developing,” Ododo said.
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‎He thanked stakeholders of the APC for supporting the developmental journey of the state and highlighted President Tinubu’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, student loan fund, unification of exchange rates, transport infrastructure, and the Renewed Hope initiative spearheaded by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
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‎”We are here to honor a president whose courage and conviction has renewed the hope of millions, and to reaffirm that Kogi State stands where progress stands, with truth, unity and the future.
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‎”Nigerians are now the direct beneficiaries of the money which use to go into pockets of the rich. 
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‎Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the state has greater access to resources, and the fiscal space has widened for meaningful development. In Kogi today, we can point to projects that bear the President’s signature, the reconstruction of Lokoja-Benin express way, and the ongoing Lokoja-Abuja road reconstruction have transformed transportation and trade in the state; the renewed stride to resuscitate Ajaokuta steel complex has restored confidence in our industrial future. The progress on the Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri railway has reopened access to goods and people, strengthening the heart beat of commerce in our dear state, he added.
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‎Governor Ododo assured the President and party faithfuls that his administration stands firmly with the Tinubu-led federal government.
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‎He affirmed that Kogi will not sit on the fence but will speak with one voice in the 2027 general elections.
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‎He also commended his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for laying a strong foundation that has made it easier to build upon and record success in governance.
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