The All Progressive Congress (APC) officially kicked off its campaign ahead of the October 19 local government elections in Kogi State. The launch took place at the modern Muhammad Buhari Civic Center in Lokoja, attracting a massive crowd of party supporters. Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State, in his address, assured the people of a peaceful, free, and transparent election process.
Governor Ododo, in his speech, pledged that his administration would provide a level playing field for all political parties, ensuring adequate security across the state. He highlighted the efforts of President Bola Tinubu in prioritizing national security, which has contributed to the peace currently being enjoyed in Kogi. The governor emphasized that this peaceful atmosphere would continue throughout the election period.
Ododo urged the people of Kogi to support the APC, noting that his administration had already laid the groundwork for the party's success by positively impacting the lives of residents. He also appealed to citizens to stand behind President Tinubu’s economic policies, reassuring them that the current economic hardships will soon subside, and the dividends of Tinubu’s efforts will become evident.
The governor further called on APC members and supporters to come out in full force on October 19 and cast their votes for APC candidates. He reiterated that the APC is committed to the welfare of Kogi citizens, ensuring that the state’s resources are utilized for the benefit of the people.
Ododo took the opportunity to highlight his administration's achievements, particularly in the areas of healthcare, infrastructure development, education, youth employment, and women’s empowerment. He emphasized that these accomplishments form the foundation of the APC’s campaign.
We have focused on providing quality and adequate health services, improving infrastructure, investing in education, and empowering both the youth and women,he said. Ododo assured that his government will continue to work for the people of Kogi without seeking undue attention for their efforts.
The governor also underscored the importance of inclusive governance, noting his administration’s deliberate efforts to involve women in leadership roles. In all local councils, women have been selected as vice chairpersons, and five councillorship positions have been reserved for women in each council area. This, according to Hon. Comfort Egwuaba, a representative at the event, has made campaigning easier for the APC, as women feel well-represented and empowered.
The APC’s State Chairman, in his welcome address, urged party members to intensify their door-to-door campaign efforts, expressing confidence that the party will sweep all 21 local government chairmanship positions. Representatives from Kogi Central, West, and other districts echoed similar sentiments, noting that the APC faces no significant opposition in the state.
Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, chairman of the APC Local Government Campaign Committee, praised Governor Ododo’s leadership, attributing over 90% of the party’s campaign success to the governor’s outstanding performance in office. He specifically highlighted achievements in agriculture, infrastructure, and regular salary payments to state and local government workers as key campaign points.
The event culminated with the presentation of APC flags to the 21 local government chairmanship candidates. A notable moment was the defection of Architect Salman Idris, the member representing Kabba/Bunu Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC, along with his supporters. Idris was formally welcomed into the party and presented with the APC flag and broom, symbolizing his commitment to the party’s cause.
As the APC embarks on its campaign trail, the mood in Lokoja and across Kogi State is one of optimism and determination, with the party confident of securing a resounding victory in the upcoming elections.