Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will on Monday formally receive former Governor Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada into the All Progressives Congress (APC), marking one of the most significant political defections in the state in recent years.
According to a statement by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, the decamping ceremony will take place at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, with top state and national APC leaders expected to attend.
Capt. Wada, who governed Kogi State from 2012 to 2016 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will join the ruling party alongside several other prominent political figures.
Governor Ododo described Wada’s decision—and that of other defectors—as a testament to their shared commitment to peace, unity, and the long-term development of Kogi State. He noted that the entry of seasoned leaders like the former governor would further strengthen ongoing efforts to consolidate progress across key sectors in line with his administration’s development agenda.
He added that the influx of political heavyweights into the APC reflects the inclusive governance style and infrastructure-driven policies of the current administration, which have helped unite the state over the past 22 months.
The statement also credited the steady rise in defections to the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the confidence shown by political leaders nationwide aligns with the President’s renewed hope agenda for national growth.
Governor Ododo reiterated that his administration remains committed to fairness, equal opportunity, and respect for all citizens—regardless of their previous political affiliations. He assured that the state will continue to run an open, participatory government that welcomes meaningful contributions from all stakeholders.
The governor urged political actors to prioritise the collective interest above partisan differences, stressing that peace, unity, and development remain the core pillars guiding the state’s progress.