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.
