Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has strongly denied rumors suggesting he is considering leaving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for another political party.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, Governor Ododo dismissed claims of his alleged defection plans as unfounded and urged the public to disregard such falsehoods.
The governor’s statement comes after the Supreme Court recently affirmed him as the duly elected winner of the November 11th, 2023, Governorship election in Kogi State. He emphasised that the rumours of his defection are baseless, stating that they are being spread by individuals intent on damaging his reputation.
According to the statement, “The false rumors are from individuals seeking to tarnish the reputation of Governor Ododo, who recently secured a victory at the Supreme Court with the backing of his party. Governor Ododo’s steadfast loyalty to the APC during his electioneering and legal battles underscored his commitment to the party.”
The controversy surrounding the Governor’s political stance began after a photograph of him at the wedding of the daughter of Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, surfaced. Governor Ododo was pictured alongside dignitaries from various political backgrounds, which led to speculation about his political affiliations. However, the Kogi State Government clarified that the Governor’s presence at the event was a gesture of goodwill and not an indication of any plans to defect.
Reassuring the people of Kogi State of his unwavering support for the APC, the statement highlighted Governor Ododo’s dedication to advancing the party’s objectives both locally and nationally. The government called for unity among governors across party lines in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to foster national unity and progress.
The statement also urged the media to practice responsible journalism and refrain from spreading unsubstantiated allegations. “We reiterate the importance of factual reporting to maintain trust and credibility with the public,” it added.
