The Kogi State Government has dismissed reports claiming that Governor Usman Ododo has defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to join the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speculation arose after a picture of Governor Ododo with PDP governors circulated online. The image, reportedly taken at a recent meeting held at the Taraba State Government House, fueled rumors that the Kogi governor might be considering a shift in political allegiance.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Kogi State Government clarified that Governor Ododo remains a committed member of the APC and has no intention of leaving the party.
“We assure everyone that Kogi remains firmly in support of the APC and will continue backing the progressive policies being implemented by our President, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Governors from various parties are united in their support for Mr. President’s efforts to strengthen national unity,” said Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information.
Fanwo criticized the media reports as “reckless and unprofessional,” reaffirming that Governor Ododo is steadfast in his loyalty to the APC both in Kogi State and nationwide.
He also emphasized the need for the media to uphold journalistic integrity, urging reporters to avoid spreading unverified stories based on baseless rumors. “Journalists have a duty to provide accurate and trustworthy information. The public deserves reliable reporting, free from the misinformation and falsehood being peddled by certain interests.”
Fanwo explained that the image in question was captured at the wedding of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas’s daughter, an event attended by high-profile dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and governors from various political parties. Governor Ododo was simply present to honor the occasion, alongside his peers.
“The Kogi State Government felt compelled to respond to these false claims, which suggest the Governor is considering defecting from the APC. We couldn’t ignore the blatant lies, especially as we have a responsibility to keep the public well-informed,” Fanwo added.
He went on to accuse those behind the rumors of being disgruntled individuals still reeling from their losses in court, resorting to misinformation in a bid to discredit the APC.
This development follows the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming Ododo’s election as Kogi State governor. On Friday, the apex court dismissed the appeal by Muritala Ajaka, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, challenging Ododo’s victory in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election. The five-member panel unanimously ruled that Ajaka’s appeal lacked merit.