The Kogi State Government has strongly dismissed rumors suggesting that Governor Usman Ododo is planning to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) and join the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This declaration follows widespread reports circulated online, claiming that the governor was considering defecting after securing a major legal victory.
The rumors gained traction after Governor Ododo won a crucial Supreme Court case on Friday, where his victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election was affirmed. The case had been brought by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, who challenged the election results but was ultimately unsuccessful in court.
In response to the speculation, Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, issued a statement on Saturday labeling the reports as “reckless and unprofessional.”
The statement read: “The attention of the Kogi State Government has been drawn to a reckless and unprofessional media report that the Governor of the State was considering dumping the All Progressives Congress. We would have ignored the blatant falsehood, but we owe the public the duty of providing correct and adequate information.
“The promoters of the falsehood are people who are still ruing their woeful failure at the law courts and are probably trying to find a back door into the All Progressives Congress, hence their resort to the only tools at their disposal, which are falsehood, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation.
“The picture being circulated was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, His Excellency Agbu Kefas, which was attended by dignitaries from across the country, including the Vice President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, as well as governors from across party lines. His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo was at the occasion to honour the daughter of a colleague, as other governors did.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo only yesterday triumphed at the Supreme Court with the support of his party. It is unintelligent to insinuate that the Governor is abandoning the party that supported him throughout his electioneering and the litigations. Their craft of lies is falling like a house of cards.”
The government assured the people of Kogi State that Ododo remains a solid member of the ruling APC and will continue to support all party activities in the state and nationally.
It added: “We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that their Governor remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress and will support the party’s success, not only in Kogi State but nationally.
“We urge the people to rest assured that Kogi remains APC and will continue to support the laudable policies and progress being recorded by the President of our dear nation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Indeed, governors are united across party lines to support the efforts of Mr President at uniting our nation.”
