More than 600 members of opposition parties in Kogi State have defected to the All Progressives Congress during a grand reception organised in honour of Kogi State Deputy Governor Joel Salifu in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area.
The event, hosted on Saturday by the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council and community stakeholders, drew political leaders, traditional rulers, and residents from across the area.
The defectors, who reportedly came from the Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, and other political parties, were formally received into the APC in what observers described as a major political boost for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Traditional council praises Salifu
Declaring the event open, the Eje Ofu and Chairman of the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, Akwu Obaje, described the gathering as a celebration of “our own son.”
Mr Obaje commended Mr Salifu for his humility, loyalty, and accessibility despite occupying high office.
The monarch also praised Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo for respecting traditional institutions and for the confidence reposed in the deputy governor.
He appealed for greater government intervention in road infrastructure, healthcare, youth empowerment, rural development, and security across the largely agrarian Ofu community.
Salifu reaffirms loyalty to Ododo
Responding, Mr Salifu described the reception as a deeply emotional and honouring moment.
“Today is a very special day for me… I feel deeply honoured, happy and grateful for this reception organised by the Ofu Traditional Council and sons and daughters of the local government,” he said.
Mr Salifu thanked traditional rulers, political office holders, women, and youths for their support, stressing that the honour carried special significance because it came from his people.
He reaffirmed loyalty to Governor Ododo and expressed appreciation to former governor Yahaya Bello for the opportunity to serve.
“I assure my people of continued humility, loyalty and commitment to service because leadership is about service to the people,” he stated.
Projects and security concerns
Highlighting achievements of the Ododo administration, Mr Salifu said roads in Ofu had already been earmarked for rehabilitation, while transformers and clean water projects had been provided to several communities.
He added that primary schools across the state were currently undergoing remodelling under a statewide initiative.
The deputy governor also warned youths against involvement in kidnapping, cultism, and other criminal activities, insisting that the government remained committed to tackling insecurity.
Government officials commend deputy governor
Speaking at the event, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo urged citizens to promote unity and peaceful coexistence regardless of political or ethnic differences.
Mr Fanwo described Mr Salifu as a humble and dedicated public servant whose loyalty and competence have strengthened the Ododo administration.
He added that Governor Ododo maintained a cordial and productive working relationship with the deputy governor.
Also speaking, Ofu Local Government Chairman Muhammad Lawal reaffirmed support for the state government and praised ongoing developmental projects across Kogi State.
Political significance
The mass defection is seen as a strategic gain for the APC in Kogi East, particularly in Ofu Local Government Area, where political alignments are already beginning to shape calculations for the 2027 elections.
The event featured cultural performances, church choir renditions, prayers for the deputy governor, and the formal presentation of defectors into the ruling party.
Among dignitaries present were Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Monday Anyebe, Commissioner for Agriculture Timothy Ojomah, APC zonal leaders, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders.
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