More than 100 members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Onicha-Igo, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The defectors pledged their support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The new members were received at an event by prominent APC stakeholders from Igala-Ogba East, led by Engineer Friday Michael (MON), alongside representatives of the Kogi State Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu Oyibo. The gathering highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu and Ododo administrations.

Michael, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Good Shepherd Hospital, described the turnout as a sign of growing support for the APC and expressed confidence that the party would secure an overwhelming victory in the 2027 elections.

He attributed the defections to what he described as the developmental achievements of the current administrations.

“Those members of the opposition parties defecting to the APC today have seen the light in our party. They can see the good work the current administrations are doing, and they are optimistic that if President Bola Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo are re-elected in 2027, they will witness more development across the board,” he said.

Welcoming the defectors into the party, Michael assured them that they would enjoy equal treatment alongside existing members, regardless of when they joined the APC.

“As we welcome them into the APC family, they should be assured that they will receive equal treatment like other members. Our common goal is to ensure the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo so they can sustain their development agenda for the people of Kogi State and Nigeria at large,” he added.

Michael commended Governor Ododo’s performance in infrastructure, healthcare, education and civil service welfare. He also maintained that discussions on power rotation could be considered after the governor completes a second term in 2031.

He urged residents and eligible voters to remain committed to the APC, arguing that continuity in leadership was necessary to sustain development and improve the welfare of the people.

The APC stakeholder further explained that his political engagement was driven by a desire to strengthen the relationship between government and grassroots communities. He said cooperation among political leaders, community stakeholders and residents would help bring government programmes closer to the people.

Speaking on behalf of the deputy governor, his Director of Protocol, Daniel Abutu, underscored the importance of grassroots mobilisation and sustained engagement in securing victory for the APC in 2027.

Abutu noted that effective mobilisation and constructive engagement were crucial to building public confidence, strengthening party structures and ensuring that communities benefited from the dividends of democracy.

The event also featured renewed calls for support for Joe Erico, the APC’s Kogi East senatorial candidate, and other party candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Participants emphasised the need for unity, increased political participation and sustained grassroots engagement to advance the party’s interests.

The gathering highlighted the role of grassroots political stakeholders in consolidating the APC’s support base, integrating new members and strengthening the party’s structures across Igala-Ogba East and other parts of Kogi State.