The Kogi State Government has strongly denied rumours circulating on social media that Governor Ahmed Ododo has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The speculation arose after images of the governor attending an event alongside PDP governors went viral, causing anxiety and confusion within political circles.
The rumours began when pictures of Ododo appeared online showing him at a gathering with several PDP governors. This immediately led to speculation that the governor might be planning to abandon the APC for the PDP, a move that would have significant implications for the political landscape in Kogi State and beyond.
However, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, swiftly moved to quell these rumours. In a statement released on Saturday, Fanwo clarified that Ododo had attended a wedding in Taraba State, not a PDP meeting as some had claimed.
Fanwo said Ododo “jetted out hours after his Supreme Court victory” to attend the wedding of the daughter of the Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, in Taraba.
“The wedding was also attended by captains of industry and other governors across the country. Governor Ododo wishes the new couple a happy married life.”
Fanwo further described the reports of the governor’s defection as “reckless and a blatant falsehood,” emphasising that Governor Ododo remains a committed member of the APC. He criticised those spreading the rumours, accusing them of using falsehoods and propaganda to create unnecessary tension.
Fanwo described the rumours as “reckless and unprofessional” saying, “We would have ignored the blatant falsehood, but we owe the public the duty of correct and adequate information.”
Fanwo also highlighted the support Ododo received from the APC during his election campaign and subsequent legal challenges. The commissioner dismissed the idea that the governor would abandon the party after receiving such support, calling it “unintelligent” to suggest otherwise.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo just yesterday triumphed at the Supreme Court with the support of his party,” Fanwo said.
“It is unintelligent to insinuate that the Governor is abandoning the party that supported him all through his electioneering and the litigations. Their craft of lies is falling like a pack of cards.”
The rumours of Ododo’s defection come at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Kogi State. The governor recently secured a significant victory at the Supreme Court, which upheld his election as the state’s chief executive. This victory was seen as a major boost for the APC in Kogi, solidifying the party’s influence in the state.
Fanwo reiterated the governor’s commitment to supporting the APC not only in Kogi State but also at the national level, particularly in backing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“We want to assure the good people of Kogi State that their Governor remains a solid member of the All Progressives Congress and will support the party’s success, not only in Kogi State, but nationally,” Fanwo asserted.
“We urge 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 our dear nation, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
