By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
July 4, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has commended the leadership qualities and grassroots political influence of Hon. Joseph Eroco Ameh following the defection of former Labour Party House of Assembly aspirant, Sanni Abdulmalik, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the development as another strong indication of the growing confidence Nigerians have in the ruling party.
Governor Ododo gave the commendation while formally receiving Abdulmalik and his supporters into the APC today at the Government House in Lokoja, assuring them of equal opportunities and continued inclusion in the affairs of the party.
The Governor particularly praised Hon. Joseph Eroco Ameh for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the APC and his role in strengthening the party’s grassroots structures in Kogi East. He described the party stalwart as a dependable leader whose efforts continue to attract credible personalities into the APC family.
Governor Ododo said the increasing wave of defections into the APC reflects the confidence reposed in the party’s people-oriented policies and leadership, stressing that his administration remains committed to delivering inclusive development to every part of Kogi State.
He described Abdulmalik as a worthy ambassador of his community whose decision to join the APC would further consolidate the party’s support base in Ankpa Federal Constituency and Kogi East.
The Governor reaffirmed that his administration would continue to work with the new entrants to deliver more dividends of democracy to the people.
Speaking on the economic potential of the area, Governor Ododo noted that Ankpa Federal Constituency and the entire Kogi East are richly endowed with enormous mineral resources capable of transforming the fortunes of the people if properly harnessed. He assured that his administration would continue to pursue strategic policies and partnerships aimed at unlocking the area’s economic potential for sustainable growth and employment generation.
Governor Ododo also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold economic reforms and infrastructural development initiatives, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda is laying a solid foundation for national prosperity.
On security, the Governor stressed that the protection of lives and property must never be politicised, describing peace and security as collective responsibilities that are indispensable to meaningful development. He urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible information to sustain the prevailing peace across the state.
Earlier, former Labour Party House of Assembly aspirant Sanni Abdulmalik said his decision to dump the Labour Party for the APC was informed by the remarkable achievements of the Ododo administration in security, education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Abdulmalik also paid glowing tribute to Hon. Joseph Eroco Ameh, describing him as a grassroots mobiliser, mentor and political leader whose encouragement, accessibility and commitment to the progress of the people inspired his decision to join the APC.
He declared the APC his new political family and pledged the total support and loyalty of himself and his supporters towards ensuring greater victories for the party in Ankpa Federal Constituency and across Kogi State.
