Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has led national and state leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to formally receive former Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, into the ruling party.

The grand ceremony, held at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, saw an impressive turnout of party supporters, government officials and stakeholders signaling a major shift in the political dynamics of the state.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, described the development as “a defining moment for Kogi’s political future.”

He congratulated Capt. Wada and other defectors for what he called “a courageous and patriotic decision,” adding that he was delighted to “share in the joy of the state under the able leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.”

Shettima praised Governor Ododo for his efforts, commitment, and dedication to the welfare of the people, and described former Governor Wada as “an elder statesman whose defection reflects an alignment with a broader national vision.”

According to the Vice President:

“This defection is not a collapse of anything, but a merging of convictions — patriots and like minds coming together to move our nation forward. Mr President is committed to making the APC a force to reckon with on the path of development.”

APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda hailed the event as a consolidation of the party’s rising strength in Kogi State and across Nigeria.

He described Capt. Wada as “a mentor and strategist whose return strengthens the party ahead of future electoral engagements, including the 2027 general elections.”

Addressing the crowd, Governor Ododo said Wada’s defection reflects the unity, political maturity, and deepening confidence in his administration’s development agenda.

He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their unwavering support, noting that their presence and encouragement underscore the national backing the state enjoys.

Governor Ododo stated:

“We are not only here to welcome our brothers who have joined us today, but also to commend Mr President for his commitment to the progress of our dear state. The decision of these leaders to join the APC is proof that the opposition has been crushed to the ground — Kogi is APC.”

He emphasized that the influx of notable politicians into the ruling party is a clear sign that more value is being added to governance and service delivery in the state.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to security, road infrastructure, healthcare, job creation, economic development , and food security, stressing that his team is determined to continue delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Capt. Idris Wada, who had earlier received his APC membership card in Odu ward 1, Dekina Local Government Area, spoke on behalf of the defectors.

He said the achievements of President Tinubu at the national level and Governor Ododo in Kogi State had convinced them to join the ruling APC.

Wada’s entry into the APC was accompanied by several other prominent figures from the PDP, SDP, and other parties—including Chief Sam Abenemi, the SDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election.