Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, has dismissed speculations suggesting that he is planning to defect from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the claims as false and the handiwork of political mischief makers.
Speaking on the rumours, Kolawole reaffirmed his commitment to the APC, insisting that he remains a loyal and dedicated member of the ruling party.
He stressed that his political allegiance to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, remains unwavering.
According to the former Speaker, he owes much of his political growth to the APC and its leaders, adding that he has no reason to betray the party or those who have supported his political journey.
Kolawole recalled that during his bid for the House of Representatives seat, former Governor Bello directed him to withdraw a court case relating to the contest, a directive he willingly obeyed.
He further disclosed that Bello recently advised him to step aside and allow Architect Salman Idris to seek a second term in the House of Representatives, a request he also honoured in the interest of party unity.
He maintained that those spreading rumours of his disloyalty were enemies of the APC whose intention is to sow discord within the party.
To further demonstrate his commitment to the party, Kolawole announced plans to organize a major programme in Kabba in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign.
He said the event would send a clear signal that he remains fully committed to the APC and its leadership.
The former lawmaker also congratulated President Tinubu on his emergence at the recently concluded presidential primaries and commended Governor Ododo for what he described as the APC’s impressive performance during the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in Kogi State.
On the security challenges facing the country, Kolawole urged citizens to support security agencies with credible intelligence, noting that government alone cannot effectively combat criminality.
He also advised traditional rulers to exercise caution in allocating land to strangers, especially individuals whose identities cannot be properly verified, warning that such practices could pose security risks to communities.
Kolawole expressed sympathy with victims of kidnapping and insecurity in Kogi West, while expressing confidence that President Tinubu would secure a second term in office, citing the strength of the APC and the support of governors across the country.
