Political leaders and supporters from various parties in Dekina Local Government Area have defected to the All Progressive Congress (APC), pledging their support for the administration of Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The governor received the delegation at the Government House in Lokoja after they formally joined the APC at a well-attended defection rally in Dekina Local Government Area.
Governor Ododo commended the new APC members for placing the collective interest of their people and the state above political affiliations, describing Dekina as a dependable partner in his administration’s development agenda.
He said the welfare of the people remains the central focus of his government, assuring that his administration is ready to partner with individuals, groups and organisations whose vision aligns with efforts to reposition Kogi State for sustainable growth and economic prosperity.
The governor assured the delegation that the requests presented to him would receive due attention, announcing that work on the Dekina Township Road would commence soon alongside other critical projects requested by the community.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding youth and women empowerment programmes, noting that stronger collaboration with critical stakeholders would broaden the reach and impact of government initiatives across the state.
Governor Ododo further highlighted Dekina’s vast agricultural potential, particularly in cashew production, saying strategic investment in the sector could transform the local economy, create jobs and boost the state’s internally generated revenue.
Earlier, the State Auditor-General, Yakubu Okala, described the defectors as respected political leaders, successful entrepreneurs and notable philanthropists whose decision to join the APC would further strengthen the party in Dekina Local Government Area.
He said the defection ceremony, which attracted a large crowd of supporters, reflected the growing confidence of the people in Governor Ododo’s leadership and developmental vision.
Okala identified the leader of the delegation, Abubakar Abdulazeez as a prominent Abuja-based businessman, alongside other eminent personalities from the area who have continued to contribute to the growth of their communities.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Abubakar Abdulazeez who led the delegation said their decision to join the APC was informed by Governor Ododo’s developmental strides across the state.
He explained that the move was driven by a shared commitment to support an administration focus on inclusive governance and people- centered development describing it as a homecoming rather than a political realignment.
Abdulazeez thanked Governor Ododo for receiving the delegation and for appointing qualified sons and daughters of Dekina into key positions in his administration.
He appealed to the governor to sustain investments in road infrastructure and healthcare by upgrading and renovating health facilities in Dekina, while commending his inclusive style of leadership.
The defectors pledged their unwavering support for Governor Ododo’s administration, assuring him of their commitment to mobilising more people across Dekina Local Government Area in support of the government’s vision for a more prosperous Kogi State.
