Over 1,000 opposition members defect as party leaders declare contest “already won
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday staged a massive grand finale rally in Egume, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, ahead of Saturday’s Okura State Constituency by-election, with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressing confidence in a decisive victory for the party’s candidate, Hon. Hassan Shado.
Represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Salifu, Governor Ododo described Shado as a seasoned politician with a proven track record of excellence and assured the crowd that the APC’s numerous achievements at the state level had laid a solid foundation for electoral success. He urged voters to demonstrate their appreciation for good governance by turning out en masse to vote for the party’s candidate.
Declaring that “there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027,” the governor emphasized that the party’s current momentum should be seen as a political test run for the next general elections.
APC Rally in Egume, Dekina LGA Of Kogi State
The rally drew prominent political figures, including the State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Okala; APC North Central Organizing Secretary, Mallam Siaka Musa; Kogi East APC Acting Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Hassan; Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hilary Ojoma Egwudah; and several council chairmen, commissioners, advisers, and other party stalwarts.
A major highlight of the event was the formal defection of over 1,000 members from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the APC. Mallam Siaka Musa, while welcoming the new members, assured them of equal opportunities within the party and praised the state government’s commitment to citizen welfare as a key factor in the APC’s growing popularity.
State Auditor General Okala described the election as “a victory already won” and revealed that thousands more from opposition parties were ready to defect, citing the APC administration’s achievements. He urged supporters to intensify door-to-door campaigns to consolidate the party’s lead, calling the poll a litmus test for the 2027 elections.
Hon. Urah John Ikani, Chairman of Dekina Local Government, described the event as a “victory rally” rather than a mere grand finale, insisting that even opposition parties acknowledged the inevitability of the APC candidate’s win. Campaign Director General Hon. Ishaq Shaibu Okolo said about 80 percent of the campaign groundwork had been completed, predicting a resounding win.
Other leaders, including Hon. Usman Ochidi, Hon. Hassan Abdullahi, Alhaji Ibrahim Suleman, Alhaji Billa, and Alhaji Rajeb Abubakar, also took turns to endorse Shado, urging the electorate to stand firmly with the APC.
In his brief address, Hon. Hassan Shado thanked party leaders and supporters for their trust and pledged effective representation for the constituency if elected.
With the show of force, high-profile endorsements, and mass defections, the APC appears to be heading into Saturday’s by-election with strong momentum and confidence in securing the Okura State Constituency seat.
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