By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
June 14, 2025
In a bid to strengthen peace and promote unity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East, the Kogi State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Comrade Joel Salifu, today convened a meeting with the stakeholders of the party at his residence in Lokoja. The gathering equally introduced Hon. Ogwu Hassan Abdullahi as the new Kogi East Acting Zonal Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following the passing of the former Chairman.
The gathering had in attendance, the Members of the National Assembly, State Assembly Members, Commissioners, Special Advisers, Council Chairmen, Heads of Institutions, Divisional Party Chairmen and critical leaders from the zone.
During the meeting, the Deputy Governor urged the stakeholders to appreciate Governor Ododo’s inclusive governance approach, which has been instrumental in fostering peace and development in the state. Adding that nothing can hinder Kogi East from giving maximum support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
According to Comrade Joel Salifu, the unity of the party is a conduit for growth and prosperity of the zone, and called on all the political office holders to return home and identify with the people, stressing that politics at all levels is local.
The stakeholders also discussed arrangements for a proposed decamping ceremony, where several individuals and bigwigs from opposition parties are expected to join the APC.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Hon. Onuh Edoka, applauded the development on behalf of the people of Ankpa Federal Constituency, stating that those who left the APC in Kogi East are eager to return to the party. He urged party members to welcome them with open arms.
Alhaji Alhasan Salisu Adakeke, Secretary SUBEB, Speaking onbehalf of Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, thanked Governor Ododo for his good governance, attributing the influx of people into the APC to the impact he is making in the state.
Hon. David Idris Zacharias, Member representing Idah Federal Constituency at the House of representatives stressed the need to resolve internal crises within the party while appreciating the Governor’s efforts in bringing-in intending members.
Hon. Yakubu Okala, the State Auditor General commended Governor Ododo and his Deputy for making Kogi proud. He urged stakeholders to align with the Governor’s instructions and be proactive in ensuring the APC’s national agenda is sustained.
The Deputy Governor concluded the meeting by inaugurating a committee to oversee the arrangements for the planned decamping ceremony proposed to hold in Anyigba. He charged the committee to work in accordance with their terms of reference to ensure the success of the event.
High point of the meeting was the motion for the unopposed reelection of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Deputy Joel Salifu in the 2027 gubernatorial election, moved by Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, Deputy Speaker Kogi State House of Assembly, and seconded by Hon. Lawal Akus, Member Representing Ankpa 1 Constituency at the House of Assembly, which received unanimous endorsement from all stakeholders.
