Tag: Kogi politics

  • Ankpa APC Stakeholders Endorse Chairman Adamu Yahaya, Councillors for Second Term Ahead of LG Polls

    Ankpa APC Stakeholders Endorse Chairman Adamu Yahaya, Councillors for Second Term Ahead of LG Polls

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area have unanimously endorsed the Executive Chairman, Hon. Engr. Adamu Muhammed Yahaya, his Vice Chairman, Hajiya Halima Imam, and all 13 councillors of the 8th Legislative Council for a second term in office ahead of the forthcoming local government elections.The endorsement was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting held on 24 November 2025 in Lokoja, where party leaders reaffirmed their collective support for the continuation of the current council leadership. The stakeholders also expressed strong backing for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to seek second terms.Convener of the meeting, Prof. Usman Ogbo, appreciated the stakeholders for their attendance, describing the gathering as a demonstration of unity within the local government chapter of the APC. He commended the chairman, vice chairman, and councillors for what he described as outstanding performance, rating their service delivery at 80 percent.

    Prof. Ogbo said the council leadership had shown efficiency, dedication, and responsiveness to community needs, noting that their performance justified the unanimous endorsement.Other speakers echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Engr. Adamu’s inclusive leadership style and commitment to party principles. They described the endorsement as a reflection of the confidence reposed in his administration by both party leaders and grassroots members.

    The motion for the endorsement was moved by Hon. Akus Lawal, member representing Ankpa I Constituency, and seconded by Hon. Abbas Linco, member representing Ankpa II, sealing the decision with unanimous approval.Stakeholders further pledged to mobilize widespread grassroots support for Governor Ododo and President Tinubu, stating that both leaders remain crucial to the continued development of Kogi State and Nigeria.In his vote of thanks, Engr. Adamu Yahaya appreciated the stakeholders for their trust and assured them that he and his team would remain committed to delivering quality governance. He extended gratitude to Governor Ododo for his support and credited the achievements in Ankpa to collective effort and collaboration.The meeting was attended by prominent party stalwarts, including Hon. Musa Ishaka, APC Zonal Organizer for North Central; Rt. Hon. Rabiu Isiaka Alfa, Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters; Rt. Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, Zonal Security Adviser for the Ankpa Federal Axis; and Hon. Musa Idris, Director of the Kogi State Solid Mineral Processing Company Limited.

  • VP Shettima Welcomes Former Kogi Governor Wada, SDP’s Abenemi, Others Into APC

    VP Shettima Welcomes Former Kogi Governor Wada, SDP’s Abenemi, Others Into APC

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday formally received former Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The event, held in Lokoja, also welcomed Hon. Samuel Abenemi, the deputy governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the last election, along with several other notable opposition members across the state.

    During the brief but colourful ceremony, the decampees, led by Capt. Wada, were each presented with the APC flag in acknowledgment of their entry into the ruling party.

    Speaking on behalf of the new entrants, Wada described his move as a deliberate step toward joining what he called “the progressive family.” He attributed his defection to the party’s ideological direction and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership.

    “There are many reasons why I joined the APC. First, the party is progressive. Secondly, President Tinubu has a very good vision for the country,” Wada said.
    He further praised the removal of fuel subsidy, claiming it led to improvements in food prices, naira appreciation, and overall economic stability. “The dividends of democracy under Mr President are numerous. With these reasons, we are taking the bold step to join the APC today. We must unite with Mr President to ensure his victory in 2027,” he added.

    Vice President Shettima, while receiving the new members, expressed satisfaction with the growing strength of the APC in Kogi State. He described the defection as a significant milestone for the party both in the state and nationally.

    “It gladdens my heart to see this day. Good governance is at play in Kogi State. This marks a new chapter in the life of APC in Kogi and Nigeria,” he said.
    Shettima hailed Wada as an elder statesman whose decision to join APC reflects confidence in the party’s governance. “What is happening in APC is a coalition of who is who in Kogi and Nigeria. You have joined a family that brings peace and progress, and you will not regret joining the progressives,” he added.

    Shettima assured the decampees that he would relay the development to President Tinubu. “The message from the Confluence State today is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in 2027 is total,” he said. He also commended the people of Kogi State “for speaking with one voice.”

    Earlier in his welcome remarks, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, Chairman of the APC in Kogi State, told the Vice President that President Tinubu’s re-election campaign would face no resistance in the state. “Mr President does not need to come to Kogi for any political campaign. His victory here is already guaranteed,” Bello said.

    The defection marks one of the most notable political shifts ahead of the 2027 elections, further consolidating the APC’s influence in Kogi State.

  • Court Sacks Enemona Anyebe, Declares Mohammed Sani Gambo as Authentic Kogi PDP Chairman

    Court Sacks Enemona Anyebe, Declares Mohammed Sani Gambo as Authentic Kogi PDP Chairman

    By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja

    The Federal High Court sitting in Lokoja on Monday removed Hon. Enemona Anyebe as Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State and declared Hon. Mohammed Sani Gambo as the duly elected and authentic chairman.

    Delivering judgment in suit No. FHC/LKJ/CS/39/2024, Justice Isah A. Danshan ruled that Hon. Gambo is the legitimate chairman of the Kogi PDP, having secured the majority of valid votes during the party’s congress held on August 31, 2024.

    Justice Danshan ordered the immediate swearing-in of Hon. Gambo and directed the national leadership of the PDP and relevant security agencies to recognize and enforce the court’s decision.

    The court held that Enemona Anyebe, who was earlier barred from contesting in the state congress, was not eligible to participate in the election. The judgment also dismissed the joinder suit filed by Tony Amego, who had sought recognition based on micro-zoning considerations, describing his claim as “lacking merit and undemocratic.”

    According to the certified results from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Gambo polled the majority of valid votes in line with the PDP’s established zoning arrangement.

    Reacting to the judgment, Hon. Mohammed Sani Gambo described the court’s decision as a “no victor, no vanquished” verdict, emphasizing that it represents a victory for democracy and the rule of law.

    “This judgment is not about personal victory but about upholding justice and the supremacy of our party’s constitution,” he said. “It reaffirms that the PDP remains a party of law, order, and fairness.”

    Following the court ruling, Hon. Gambo was officially sworn in at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday at the PDP Secretariat opposite the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters in Lokoja.

    During his inauguration, he pledged to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging his former rivals to work together for the party’s unity and success.

    “Our focus now is to rebuild the PDP, reclaim Lugard House, and return to national leadership in 2027,” Gambo declared. “We are committed to restoring the party’s integrity and ensuring it remains the true voice of Nigerians.”

    He added that his emergence was a testament to his faith in democracy and the belief that “justice, when pursued through the right channel, always prevails.”