President Kashim Shettima has praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for broadening its coalition, reflecting President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to inclusivity, competence, and national unity. Speaking in Lokoja as former Kogi governor Alhaji Idris Wada and other key politicians officially joined the APC, Shettima said the move was driven by national, not personal, interests.
“This is not about one ego winning over another but about aligning with a broader vision for stability,” Shettima stated. He described APC as a home for progressives united to build a renewed Nigeria.
Shettima urged the new members to view the party as a platform for service and development, particularly promising sustained peace and accelerated growth in Kogi State. “When leaders choose peace, the people reap progress,” he noted.
He called the entry of Wada and others a “confluence of progressives” and credited Tinubu for building an inclusive party that welcomes credible leaders from all political backgrounds. Shettima symbolically linked Lokoja the meeting point of the Niger and Benue Rivers as a metaphor for national renewal under Tinubu’s leadership.
Shettima also praised Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi for stable, people-focused governance and commended former Governor Yahaya Bello for a smooth democratic transition, calling their cooperation a national example of political maturity.
Governor Ododo welcomed the new members, calling them men of integrity and thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their support. He emphasized plans to drive Kogi State forward with a united progressives family.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda called the party’s presence in Kogi a rescue mission from the sinking People’s Democratic Party (PDP), welcoming Wada and other notable defectors as making wise political choices.
Speaking for the new members, Wada praised Tinubu’s bold moves, citing infrastructure development, economic reforms, and social investment. He noted the positive outcomes of removing fuel subsidies and stabilizing the naira.
Other dignitaries attending included Minister of Steel Development Prince Shuaibu Audu, former FCT Minister Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, Senator Smart Adeyemi, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.
Leave a comment