Former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada has officially obtained his All Progressives Congress (APC) membership card in Odu Ward 1, Dekina Local Government Area.
The development marks a significant realignment in the state’s political dynamics, coming years after Wada left office having served on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Wada, who was warmly received by APC leaders and supporters in the area, said his decision to join the ruling party was motivated by the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he described as “tangible and promising.”
He also commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he called a peaceful and purposeful leadership style that has continued to stabilize Kogi State.
The APC Ward Chairman, Ishaq Yunusa, described Wada’s entry as a major boost to the party’s strength at the grassroots, noting that bringing a political figure of his stature onboard affirms the growing confidence in the APC among the people of the state.
He announced that a grand reception would be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja to celebrate the former governor’s defection to the APC.
In a related development, the APC zonal office in Anyigba witnessed another wave of defections as leaders from the PDP, SDP, and several political parties joined the ruling party.
They were welcomed by the APC Zonal Chairman, Abdul Alhassan, alongside the Kogi State Auditor-General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala, in what party leaders described as a consolidation of the APC’s expanding influence in the state.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, led key APC stakeholders in Lokoja to receive former Lokoja Local Government Chairman and Deputy Governorship Candidate of the SDP in the 2023 Governorship election, Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi, into the party.
The Speaker, who described Abenemi as a “big fish,” said his political depth and grassroots strength would add strategic value to the APC, noting that he had personally benefited from Abenemi’s mentorship.
Chief Abenemi, a former PDP Vice Chairman and SDP Deputy governorship candidate, said he joined the APC because of the humility and leadership qualities of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the Speaker.
He emphasized that his defection will enable him to contribute to the growth of the party rather than competing for positions.
The event also saw the collapse of the entire SDP structure in Oworo Ward into the APC, with top officials including lawmaker representing Lokoja 1 in the state house of assembly, Hon. Bin-Ebaiya Shehu Tijjani, Water Resources Commissioner, Engr. Farouk Yahaya, APC Chairman Hon. Bature Maikudi, and former Speaker Rt. Hon. Abdulrahman Dangana in attendance.
