Over 600 Defect to APC at Grand Reception for Kogi Deputy Governor

A grand reception organised by the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council in honour of Kogi State Deputy Governor, Joel Salifu, turned into a major political realignment as over 600 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party, and other political parties defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The event, held on Saturday in Ejule, was attended by traditional rulers, political office holders, women, youths, and indigenes from home and abroad.

Declaring the occasion open, the Eje Ofu and Chairman of the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council, HRH Akwu Obaje, said the gathering was organised to celebrate the deputy governor for his loyalty, humility, and representation of the Ofu people in government. He praised Salifu for remaining calm, respectful, and accessible despite the demands of public office.

The monarch also thanked Governor Ahmed Ododo for the confidence reposed in Salifu and for respecting traditional institutions across the state. He pledged the council’s continued support for the administration in maintaining peace, unity, and development, while appealing for more government intervention in roads, healthcare, security, youth empowerment, and rural development.

In his response, the deputy governor described the reception as a deeply honouring moment. He expressed loyalty to Governor Ododo and gratitude to former governor Yahaya Bello for the opportunity to serve.

Salifu highlighted ongoing projects by the Ododo administration, noting that roads in Ofu had been earmarked and measured for attention. He added that transformers had been provided to some communities, primary schools were being remodelled, and some communities were now accessing clean water through government interventions.

He urged youths to shun kidnapping, cultism, and other crimes, warning that the Ododo administration was serious about fighting criminality.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, called on citizens to uphold peace, unity, and mutual tolerance regardless of religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. He described Salifu as a humble and dedicated public servant whose loyalty and competence had strengthened the Ododo administration.

The Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, Muhammad Lawal, reaffirmed the council area’s support for the Ododo administration and commended the government’s developmental efforts across the state.

The event featured prayers for the deputy governor’s continued rise, cultural displays, and renditions by church choirs. Dignitaries included the Kogi State Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development and Agriculture, the APC Zonal Chairman for Kogi East, local government chairmen, and other stakeholders.