Former Kogi Governor Idris Wada, others Dumps PDP for APC »

Former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Ichala Wada, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in a move analysts believe could significantly strengthen the party ahead of future elections in the state.

The APC National Chairman, Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, on Monday led a high-level delegation to the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, where Wada and several other PDP chieftains were publicly received and presented with APC insignia, marking their official entry into the party.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described Wada’s defection as “a symbolic cross-over in the journey towards national unity and progress.” He commended the former governor and other new entrants for choosing “unity over suspicion,” noting that their decision would reshape the political dynamics in Kogi State.

“Captain Wada’s presence in the APC, alongside other influential leaders, further reinforces the party’s standing in Kogi,” the President said, adding that the APC remains committed to rewarding hard work and maintaining the trust of its new members.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, also welcomed the defectors, declaring that the opposition had been weakened nationwide and that “Kogi is now fully APC.” He thanked party leaders and supporters for ensuring the ceremony was successful.

In his remarks, Captain Wada said he joined the APC because of its progressive agenda and the administration’s efforts at stabilizing the economy under President Tinubu. “The APC is steering Nigeria in the right direction. My supporters and I are ready to contribute to the development of our communities and the country,” he stated.

Wada had earlier received his APC membership card on Saturday at his residence in Odu, Dekina Local Government Area, ahead of the formal ceremony in Lokoja. He served as governor of Kogi State from January 2012 to January 2016.

Other notable figures who defected alongside him include Rt. Hon. Imam Alfa, Hon. Usman Mamman Bello, Hon. Moses Ododo, Chief Sam Adeyemi, Hon. Bode Ogunmola, Hon. Hassan Alfa, among others.