By Jibril Adum
MORE than 100 members of opposition parties have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Onicha-Igo, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, declaring support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in 2027.
The defectors, mostly members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), who were received at a grand reception on Tuesday in Onicha-Igo, said their decision was based on the development strides of the President and Governor Ododo.
They were received by prominent APC stakeholders from Igala-Ogba East, led by Engineer Friday Michael (MON), alongside representatives of the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo, at the event where they urged greater unity and intensified grassroots mobilisation for the party.
Michael, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Good Shepherd Hospital, described the mass defection as a sign of growing confidence in the APC, expressing optimism that the party would secure victory in the 2027 General Elections.
He attributed the defectors’ decision to join the ruling party to what he described as the developmental achievements of the Tinubu and Ododo administrations, expressing confidence that their re-election would sustain ongoing development initiatives.
“Those members of the opposition parties defecting to the APC today have seen the light in our party. They can see the good work the current administrations are doing,” he said.
Michael assured the new members of equal treatment within the APC, irrespective of when they joined, urging them to work with existing members towards achieving the party’s electoral objectives.
He commended Governor Ododo’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, education and civil service welfare, adding that discussions about power rotation could be considered after the governor completes a second term in 2031.
The APC chieftain also urged residents and eligible voters to remain committed to the party, arguing that continuity in leadership would help sustain development and improve the welfare of the people.
He said his political engagement was driven by a commitment to strengthening the relationship between government and grassroots communities, stressing that cooperation among political leaders, community stakeholders and residents was essential in attracting government programmes to the people.
Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Governor, his Director of Protocol, Daniel Abutu, underscored the importance of grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement in building public confidence, strengthening the APC’s structures and securing electoral victory in 2027.
The gathering also featured renewed calls for support for Joe Erico, the APC’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, and other party candidates in the forthcoming elections.
Participants emphasised the need for party unity, increased political participation and sustained grassroots engagement to consolidate the APC’s support base across Igala-Ogba East and other parts of the state. (Ends)
