Kogi 2023: Ododo's Victory Unchallengeable, Assures APC »

As the campaign for the November 11 gubernatorial election in Kogi State gains momentum, members of the All Progressives Congress in Umomi/Ochadama Ward in Ofu Local Government Area of the State have resoundingly declared that victory for the party’s candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman, will be indisputable.

This affirmation came during their political party gathering and roadwork event in support of Ododo/Joel in Umomi on Friday, September 22, 2023.

Addressing the gathering, which included prominent political figures and fervent supporters from the area, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi State, Onogwu Muhammed, expressed deep appreciation for the people’s unwavering trust in the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, and their consistent support for the APC in previous elections. He applauded the residents of Umomi/Ochadamu Ward for upholding the political principles and ideals of the first and second executive governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, whom he lauded as the founding father of the All Progressives Congress in the State.

Onogwu acknowledged that Prince Audu’s vision was to transform Kogi State into an industrialized hub with abundant job opportunities for its people. In pursuit of this vision, Prince Audu established the Obajana Cement Company PLC and passionately championed the reactivation of Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited.

“I want to express my gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support for the leadership of our governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON. It is noteworthy that since 1992, when our leader was first elected and in all subsequent elections, Umomi/Ochadamu Ward has never faltered to opposition. Even after 2003, when Prince Audu lost to the party in power at the federal level due to ‘federal might,’ he was unable to realize his dreams of revitalizing Ajaokuta.

Our governor shares the same vision of industrializing Kogi State. He has tirelessly confronted and surmounted numerous challenges to ensure that the people of Kogi benefit from the abundant natural resources bestowed upon us by God, which are found in every local government area. Consequently, when the opportunity arose for the nomination of a minister, he wasted no time in nominating the son of the late Prince Abubakar Audu, Prince Shaibu Audu. When some of us inquired about his choice of Prince Shaibu Audu, Governor Bello emphasized that the political principles and ideals of Prince Abubakar Audu must continue to thrive, and he would do whatever it takes to vigorously pursue his vision.

Our President, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also served as the Governor of Lagos while Prince Audu governed Kogi, shares the same aspirations for reviving Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited. To this end, he established the Ministry of Steel Development and appointed Prince Shaibu Audu as the minister. This clearly demonstrates that the prospect of Ajaokuta’s revival, which would create thousands of jobs, is brighter today. Additionally, when the search for the deputy governorship candidate intensified, with just three days left until the deadline, many names were presented to the governor and the party. Upon review, he noticed that none of the candidates hailed from Ofu local government.

Without hesitation, Governor Yahaya Bello journeyed to Ofu and selected Hon Joel Salifu Oyibo just one day before the deadline for candidate submission to INEC. When asked about his decision, the governor emphasized that Ofu holds a special place in his heart and must be part of Kogi State’s political decisions.

Therefore, I implore you all, this election is another battle we must win to honor the legacy of Prince Abubakar Audu and to reciprocate the gesture of our governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello over the years as we have done before, and as we shall continue to do,” he stated.

Onogwu also revealed the State Government’s commitment to providing free education at the primary and secondary school levels in Kogi State, along with covering WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for students in public schools. He urged the people to reciprocate this gesture by ensuring a resounding victory for the APC on November 11.

In his address, the counselor representing Ochadamu Ward, Hon Jonathan Thomas, reiterated that the party has been fortified to guarantee an unassailable victory for Ododo/Joel in the November 11, 2023 polls.

He praised Governor Yahaya Bello for his support of the federal government’s initiative to provide palliatives to the people following the fuel subsidy removal. He noted that, through the State Government, palliatives have been distributed to the area’s residents, a thoughtful gesture that was highly appreciated.