More than 100 members from four opposition political parties have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Onicha-Igo, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, pointing to the development strides of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as reasons for their decision.

The defectors, drawn from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), declared their support for the re-election of the two leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new members were received by prominent APC stakeholders from Igala-Ogba East, led by Engineer Friday Michael, alongside representatives of the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu.

Speaking at the event, Michael, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Good Shepherd Hospital, described the influx of members of opposition parties as a sign of growing support for the APC, expressing confidence that the party would secure victory in the 2027 elections.

He said the defectors had recognised the developmental strides of the Tinubu and Ododo administrations and were optimistic that their re-election would sustain development across the country and Kogi State.

Michael assured the new members of equal treatment within the party, regardless of when they joined, urging them to work with existing members towards achieving victory for the APC.

He commended Governor Ododo’s interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education and civil service welfare, stressing the importance of continuity in governance to consolidate on development and improve the welfare of the people.

The APC stakeholder also called on residents and eligible voters to remain committed to the party, noting that cooperation among political leaders, community stakeholders and residents was essential to strengthening the relationship between government and people at the grassroots.

Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, his Director of Protocol, Daniel Abutu, emphasised the importance of grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement in strengthening the APC’s structures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abutu said constructive engagement with communities was essential to building public confidence, increasing political participation and ensuring that residents benefited from government programmes.

The event also featured calls for support for the APC’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, Joe Erico, and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.