APC Chieftain Accuses Kogi Governor Ododo of Anti-Party Activities
In a significant political development, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has publicly accused Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of engaging in anti-party activities. The allegations center on the governor's alleged support for a candidate from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the upcoming 2027 general elections, sparking concerns within the ruling party.
Allegations of Support for ADC Candidate
Chief Dayo Michael Adesanya, an APC leader from Isanlu, along with other party sources in the Yagba Federal Constituency, claim that Governor Ododo has directed his political appointees in Mopamuro Local Government Area to campaign for Rep. Leke Abejide, a factional leader of the ADC. Abejide is reportedly seeking a third term in the National Assembly, representing Yagba Federal Constituency.
According to Adesanya, the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, acting on Ododo's alleged orders, instructed appointees to participate in a political walk in support of Abejide. During this event, participants carried placards and wore caps and T-shirts featuring both the governor and the lawmaker, but notably without any identifiable APC party logos. This has raised eyebrows among party faithful, who view it as a clear breach of party loyalty.
Violation of Zoning Arrangement
Adesanya emphasized that this move contradicts the existing zoning arrangement in Yagba Federal Constituency, which traditionally favors Mopamuro Local Government as the next area to produce the federal lawmaker. By supporting an ADC candidate, Ododo is seen as undermining this local agreement, potentially destabilizing the political balance in the region.
In a statement to journalists in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, Adesanya revealed that some APC members declined to participate in the pro-Abejide walk due to concerns over anti-party conduct. He further alleged that those who refused have been instructed to resign or face dismissal, indicating a possible purge within the governor's administration.
Incident and Broader Implications
The political walk for Abejide reportedly ended with a minor incident, as some participants fell off a moving vehicle and sustained injuries. However, the broader implications are more serious. Adesanya hinted at speculations that Governor Ododo and his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, might be considering a defection to the ADC. This rumor stems from tensions within the APC, particularly with Hon. James Faleke potentially contesting the governorship on the APC platform in the future.
Adesanya and his entourage expressed confusion over why Abejide, a staunch ADC member, has not officially defected to the APC despite the alleged support from the governor. This situation has created a climate of distrust and uncertainty within the APC in Kogi State, as members grapple with the possibility of internal divisions and realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.
The allegations highlight ongoing political maneuvering in Kogi State, with anti-party activities becoming a focal point of concern for APC members. As the 2027 elections approach, such issues could impact party cohesion and electoral outcomes in the region.
