Historic Defection: Ben Adaji, Opposition Leaders Return to APC in Kogi

In a political move set to reshape Kogi State’s landscape, all opposition leaders from Imane District, Olamaboro LGA, have formally rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a new chapter of unity and collaboration.
The grand event, which took place on Sunday, was hosted by Hon. Ogwu Alhassan, Zonal Chairman of APC for Kogi East, who received the decampees on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He described the return of the leaders as a milestone for both democracy and the APC’s growth in the state and nation.
“The APC has come to stay,” Alhassan said. “All returning members will enjoy equal rights and opportunities. We call on everyone to work tirelessly for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Ododo, and all APC candidates.”
Speaking for the returning members, Hon. Ben Adaji, a founding member of APC in Kogi State and former House of Representatives aspirant, explained that their previous departure to the SDP was due to marginalization and lack of internal democracy under former party leadership.
“Governor Ododo’s vision, transparency, and inclusive leadership have restored our trust in the APC,” Adaji said. “With the current trajectory and the efforts of Comrade Onuh Edoka, we are confident in returning home to serve our people.”
Adaji praised Comrade Onuh Edoka, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Labour Matters, for his relentless efforts to reconcile opposition figures and strengthen party unity.
Another returning leader, Dr. Edoka Muhammed, highlighted Governor Ododo’s people-centered governance, infrastructure projects, and human capital development as major reasons for their unconditional return to the APC.
“This is a total reunion with no going back,” Dr. Muhammed stated.
In his remarks, Comrade Onuh Edoka welcomed the decampees and described their return as a moral and political boost for both the Imane District and the Ododo administration.
Other dignitaries at the event, including Hon. Monday Ayebe, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, and Hon. Williams Ameh, Executive Chairman of Olamaboro LGA, lauded the decampees’ decision and encouraged them to actively support the party’s efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
The reunion of Ben Adaji and other opposition leaders is seen as a strategic consolidation of political strength for the APC in Kogi East, reinforcing the party’s momentum and prospects for the next electoral cycle.