The Kogi State Government has firmly dismissed rumors that Governor Usman Ododo has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speculation about the governor’s loyalty to the APC began circulating after a picture emerged showing him with PDP governors during a meeting at the Taraba State Government House.
On Saturday, the Kogi State Government issued a statement clarifying that Governor Ododo remains a committed member of the APC and has no intention of leaving the party. Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information, addressed the rumors directly, reassuring the public that the governor is fully aligned with the APC’s goals and continues to support the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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. Indeed, governors are united across party lines to support the efforts of Mr. President at uniting our nation,” Fanwo said in the statement.
The photograph that sparked the rumors was reportedly taken at the wedding of the daughter of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas. The event was attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors from various political parties. Fanwo explained that Governor Ododo was present to honor the daughter of a colleague, like many other governors who attended.
In his response, Fanwo criticized the media for what he described as a “reckless and unprofessional” report.
“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,” he stated.
He also reminded journalists of their responsibility to uphold the standards of their profession by avoiding the spread of unfounded rumors.
“The media must continue to retain our trust and confidence at all times,” Fanwo added.
The timing of the rumors coincided with the Supreme Court’s decision to affirm Governor Ododo’s victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election. On Friday, the apex court dismissed an appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Muritala Ajaka, who had challenged Ododo’s election. The court’s five-member panel ruled unanimously that the appeal lacked merit.
The Kogi State Government’s statement emphasized that the spread of false information about the governor’s political affiliation was likely an attempt by those dissatisfied with their legal defeat to sow discord.
“The promoters of the falsehood are people who are still rueing their woeful failure at the law courts and probably trying to find a back door into the All Progressives Congress, hence their resort to the only tools at their disposal, which are falsehood, propaganda, misinformation, and disinformation,” Fanwo remarked.