By Muslimat Itopa
A former Governor of Kogi State, Captain Idris Wada has formerly defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress after many months of speculations.
Vice President Kashim Shetima, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello were among APC stakeholders who received Captain Idris Wada and the running mate Of SDP Governorship candidate in the last election, Sam Ranti Abenemi into the party.
The Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in Lokoja erupted with excitement on Monday as thousands of party loyalists, support groups, and key political stakeholders gathered for what many described as the “mother of all defections” in Kogi State.
In a significant realignment of political forces, former Kogi State Governor Captain Idris Wada alongside other prominent political figures—officially defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), marking a new chapter in the state’s evolving political landscape.
Vice President Kashim Shettima praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as “calm strength” and stabilizing leadership in Kogi State.
“In a political climate where storms are expected, Governor Ododo has offered tranquility. He has chosen the noble path of continuity, respect for history, loyalty to purpose, and commitment to the people.”
He expressed delight at the harmonious relationship between Governor Ododo and his predecessor, former Governor Yahaya Bello, noting that their smooth transition of power stands as an example to the entire nation.
The Vice President welcomed Captain Idris Wada and other defectors to the APC describing
Captain Idris Wada, as an elder, a partner, and a testament to the task of building a stronger Kogi and a stronger Nigeria.
“Your Excellency Captain Idris Wada, we receive you as an elder, a partner, and a testament to the task of building a stronger Kogi and a stronger Nigeria.”
Shettima emphasized that the defection signaled not the collapse of a political structure, but a convergence of convictions in pursuit of national progress.
“APC remains the home of all who seek progress. We must rise above bitterness and forge a new national spirit.”
Governor Ododo, in his address, described the event as a celebration of unity and progress.
“We are here to welcome our brothers not newcomers. In APC, we are one big united family. APC is Kogi State, and Kogi State is APC.”
He expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his consistent support and lauded party stakeholders for strengthening the APC across Kogi.
He highlighted the developmental strides of his administration in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, roads, and educational development to include 90% completion of ongoing tertiary institution upgrades, construction of township roads, and primary healthcare centers across all wards
He said Kogi State Treasury House is at 85% completion including 180 primary healthcare centers recently Inaugurated.
The Governor noted that he is on a mission to unite the people of the state to develop, fight poverty, provide security, quality education, healthcare, potable water, and to highlight Kogi’s potential for greatness.
“I have a mission to unite our people, develop our state, fight poverty, provide security, quality education, healthcare, potable water, and to highlight Kogi’s potential for greatness.”he added.
Governor Ododo said As far as Kogi State is concerned, there is no more any opposition in the State.
While handing over the party flag to the defectors the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda in his remarks, praised the party’s expanding ideological foundation and credited President Tinubu’s leadership for attracting respected figures into the progressive fold.
“We are giving life tickets to people to come out of the sinking ship. Today, we welcome leaders who choose progress over chaos.”
He formally presented Captain Idris Wada to the APC family as one of the most symbolic additions to the party.
The defection of Captain Idris Wada is expected to reshape Kogi’s political dynamics significantly.
As the Civic Centre buzzed with chants, drums, and jubilation, one thing was clear: Kogi’s political map has been redrawn, and the APC is emerging stronger, broader, and more united than ever.
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