Kogi Governor Ododo Remains Staunch Member of APC, Denies Defection Rumors
A statement by the Kogi State Government has clarified that Governor Usman Ododo remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dismissing rumors of his alleged defection to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The statement was made in response to a report by an online news platform, which went viral on Saturday, claiming that Ododo was considering defecting to the PDP. The report sparked widespread speculation and concern among political observers.
However, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the report as “a reckless and unprofessional media report” and attributed it to “mischief makers and promoters of falsehood” who were still reeling from their loss at the Supreme Court on Friday.
Fanwo stated that the report was a product of “falsehood, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation” and added that the promoters of the falsehood were individuals who were still licking their wounds after their loss at the Supreme Court.
He also clarified that the picture being circulated was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, where dignitaries from across the country, including the Vice President of Nigeria, attended. Ododo was present to honor the daughter of a colleague, as other governors did.
The statement emphasized that Governor Ododo only yesterday triumphed at the Supreme Court with the support of his party and urged the people of Kogi State to rest assured that Ododo remains a solid member of the APC and will continue to support all party activities in the state and nationally.
The government also praised the President of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his efforts to unite the nation, stating that governors across party lines are united in their support for his initiatives.
Recall that the election petition tribunal had dismissed the petition filed by the Social Democratic Party candidate, Muritala Ajaka, contesting Ododo’s victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election. Ajaka later appealed the tribunal’s judgment at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, where his appeal was also dismissed.
A five-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous decision on Friday, affirmed Ododo’s victory, refusing to void the election as requested by Ajaka.
