There was jubilation in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, as leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East gathered to celebrate the party’s victory in the recently concluded senatorial primary election.
Addressing the gathering, the APC senatorial candidate for Kogi East, Chief Joseph Ameh Erico, expressed appreciation to party leaders, members, government officials, and supporters for their unwavering support throughout the primary election process.
He assured the people that he would remain accessible and committed to their welfare, while commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as their dedication to governance and development.
Chief Erico pledged to build on the achievements of the Ododo administration by delivering effective representation and attracting greater development to Kogi East.
He noted that his personal experiences and humble upbringing have equipped him with a deep understanding of the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
“I know the pain of the people because I have experienced hardship myself,” he said.
The APC candidate also emphasized the importance of security, promising to leverage his expertise in the sector to promote peace and stability across Igala and Bassa communities.
According to him, sustainable development can only thrive in a secure environment. He further pledged to attract foreign investment, create employment opportunities for young people, and support farmers through enhanced agricultural initiatives.
Chief Erico stressed that his political ambition is anchored on unity and inclusive development, assuring the people that he would not betray their confidence if elected in the 2027 general election.
In his address, Deputy Governor Comrade Joel Salifu congratulated Chief Erico on emerging as the APC senatorial candidate and applauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello for their leadership and commitment to party unity.
He said the outcome of the primary election reflected the collective will of APC members in Kogi East and urged party leaders to uphold and respect the decision reached through the democratic process.
The Deputy Governor also appealed to other aspirants and their supporters to set aside differences and work together for the unity and progress of Kogi East and the APC.
He further called on party members to remain united ahead of the 2027 general election, urging youths to shun violence and political hostility while continuing to support the administrations of Governor Ododo and President Tinubu.
In his remarks, the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan, commended party stakeholders across the nine local government areas for supporting Chief Erico, describing him as the most suitable candidate to represent the district.
The highlight of the event was the defection of Hajiya Akpidi Mariam Habib Yakubu from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC alongside more than 200 supporters.
Speaking during her formal reception into the party, Hajiya Yakubu said her decision was motivated by the achievements of Governor Ododo and her desire to contribute to the growth and success of the APC.
She and her supporters were officially welcomed into the ruling party by the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan.
The well-attended event brought together prominent government officials, party stakeholders, and supporters, including the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu; the State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala; the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan; the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba
Others are the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo; Commissioners, local government chairmen, advisers, and other top government functionaries.
