Ex-Gov Wada, SDP leaders defect to APC in Kogi
By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
Prominent opposition political leaders in Kogi State, led by former Governor Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, formally defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a ceremony on Monday, November 18, 2025.
The Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, officially received them at Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja, marking a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Among the defectors were notable figures including the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the 2023 election, Hon. Sam Abenemi, former Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Alfa Umar Imam, former Deputy Speaker Hon. Emmanuel Omebije, former local government chairs, state legislators, and many others from PDP, SDP, and Labour Party.
The defection signifies a coalition of opposition leaders joining APC’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Governor Ododo described the defections as a sign that opposition parties have been crushed in the state and praised President Tinubu’s reforms.
In a brief ceremony held at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, all the decampees, led by former Gov. Idris Wada, received their APC flags one after the other.
In his acceptance remarks on behalf of all the defectors, Capt Wada stated his reasons for dumping PDP and joined APC because the party is progressive and President Tinubu has a very clear vision for the country.
Wada cited APC’s development policies and leadership as key reasons for his move and committed to working for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
” Mr President did the right by removing oil subsidy, since then we have seen a drop in the price of foodstuffs daily. The naira has appreciated against the dollar; the economy has generally picked up, and the president has helped the country emerge from a distressed economy.
“The dividends of democracy by Mr President are numerous, but with these few reasons, we are taking the bold step to cross over to APC today. We must unite with the President to ensure his victory in 2027.
“On behalf of all the decampees, I welcome and accept them all. It is good to be among the progressives.”
Earlier in his welcome remarks, state chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, assured the Vice President that Mr President does not need to come to Kogi State for any political campaign for his second term, “his victory is already guaranteed”.
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his generosity to Kogi State and it’s people,assuring that 2027 election victory is certain.
The Governor disclosed several achievement across the State, especially road networks, health, education,electricity, investments and conducive industrial environment for investors as well as security.
He urged the defectors and old members to work in harmony for the development of the State, saying that all APC members are equal without any discrimination.
While congratulating former Governor Wada and other new party entrants, Ododo assured them of equal opportunities accrue able to all party members.
In his remark after receiving the decampees, the Vice President said, “It gladdens my heart to see this day. I’m pleased that good governance is at play in Kogi State.
Vice President Shettima hailed the defections as a reflection of public confidence in the APC and praised Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo’s achievements in Kogi State.
This marks a new chapter in the life of APC in Kogi State and across Nigeria. I am particularly delighted to receive an elder statesman, Capt Wada. We are the convergence of progressives.
“What is happening in APC is more of a coalition of who’s who in Kogi State and Nigeria. You have joined the family that brings peace and progress to the people of Nigeria. And you will not regret joining the progressive movement.
“I am going back to Abuja to deliver the message to Mr President, the message from the Confluence state today is that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu‘s victory in 2027 is total.
“I want to appreciate the people of Kogi State for speaking with one voice.”
