The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking during an official visit to the APC National Secretariat in Abuja, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for their steadfast support, both during his election and in the early days of his administration.
“Our government is built on the solid foundation of APC’s ideals—people-focused, purposeful leadership, and inclusive governance,” Ododo said. “In just 14 months, Kogi has witnessed significant strides in security, agriculture, infrastructure, and social services. These are not just results; they are the reflection of our promise to deliver.”
He described his administration as one anchored on servant leadership and credited the APC’s structure for enabling swift and strategic implementation of development goals. According to him, deliberate inclusion of women and youth in governance has yielded fresh ideas and energized political trust, placing the party on a stronger footing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Ododo particularly praised President Tinubu for his “bold and transformative” economic reforms, especially in the petroleum sector and monetary policy. While acknowledging the short-term discomforts, he described the President’s decisions as patriotic and critical to Nigeria’s long-term development.
“Kogi State is fully behind Mr. President,” he declared. “He is a visionary leader whose courage will be rewarded by Nigerians with a renewed mandate come 2027.”
Ododo also hailed the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, for providing strategic direction and sustaining party unity. He noted that under Ganduje’s leadership, the party has grown stronger, with increased grassroots appeal.
Iwhile Responding to questions from journalists, on the sideline, in a touching tribute to his political mentor and predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Ododo described their relationship as one of deep respect and loyalty. “Let me tell you,” he said, “any river that forgets its source will soon run dry. My boss is like a father to me. Where God used him to pick me from is still very fresh in my mind.”
He added emotionally, “If you ever feel like he is angry with me, I beg you—plead with him on my behalf. I can never, and will never, dishonour him.”
Responding, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje commended Governor Ododo for his achievements and especially for maintaining a cordial relationship with his predecessor—an area he identified as a persistent governance challenge in Nigeria.
“This is one of the biggest problems in our political system—the strained ties between predecessors and successors,” Ganduje observed. “But in Kogi, we are witnessing an exception. The harmony between Governor Ododo and Alhaji Yahaya Bello is exemplary.”
He announced that the APC’s intellectual wing will soon embark on a study to investigate why such tensions frequently arise, and cited Ododo’s experience as a positive model worth learning from.
Ganduje also lauded Ododo for promptly constituting his cabinet post-inauguration, which he said reflected trust, discipline, and alignment with his predecessor’s vision.
“You did not allow lobbying or delay to affect governance. It’s a sign of cohesion and maturity,” the party chairman stated.
He noted that the synergy between Kogi State and the party leadership—both at the state and national levels—is a sign of what purposeful governance looks like. “This is a living party,” Ganduje emphasized. “It is guided by knowledge, not guesswork.”
Governor Ododo’s visit comes ahead of a major rally planned by the APC to welcome new members and showcase the party’s growing momentum nationwide.
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, both leaders sent a clear message: APC is not just preparing—it is positioning itself to lead Nigeria into a future of stability, unity, and progress.
