Kogi State Government Denies Reports of Governor’s Defection

The Kogi State Government has vehemently denied reports suggesting that Governor Usman Ododo has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The denial follows the emergence of a viral picture of Ododo with PDP governors at a recent meeting in Taraba State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the state Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, described the report as “reckless and unprofessional.” He assured the people of Kogi State that their governor remains a solid member of the APC and has no plans of defecting.

Fanwo also used the opportunity to remind the media of its responsibility to uphold the tenets of journalism. He urged journalists to stay away from falsehood and unprofessional reporting, and to prioritize the truth and accuracy of their stories.

The picture that sparked the speculation was taken at the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, which was attended by dignitaries across the country, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and other governors.

Fanwo explained that the picture was taken at the wedding to honour the daughter of a colleague, just like other governors did. He accused the promoters of the falsehood of being people who are still reeling from their failure in court and are trying to find a backdoor into the APC.

The move comes a day after the Supreme Court affirmed Ododo as the validly elected governor of Kogi State. The apex court also quashed the appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Muritala Ajaka, contesting Ododo’s victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election.

The Kogi State Government has urged the people to rest assured that Kogi remains APC and will continue to support the laudable policies and progress being recorded by the President of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.