By Ojotule Romanus
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, on Saturday, formally endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor,Ahmed Usman Ododo, for second terms in office.
The well-attended and colourful reception as well as endorsement rally took place at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Center, Lokoja and was organised to recognise the performance and achievements of the Tinubu and Ododo led administrations at both federal and state levels.
The event, which drew a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, political leaders, youth and women stakeholders as well as various APC support groups among others, was marked by cultural displays and music.
Party supporters and stakeholders from across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state had begun gathering at the Muhammadu Buhari Square in Lokoja as early as 8:00am. Key amongst the dignitaries include the Chairman of the State chapter of APC, state and federal legislators as well as Commissioners, LGA Chairmen, political appointees. And they unanimously endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo for a second terms.
Goodwill messages poured in from various stakeholders, including the leader of APC in Kogi State and former Governor of the state, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who urged party members to unite behind Tinubu and Ododo’s re-election campaign.
Bello set the ball rolling praising Tinubu’s leadership, citing achievements invarious sectors especially in enhancing democratic growth as evidence of a progressive administration worthy of continuity.
According to him, the endorsements were anchored on the performance and tangible impact of their leadership at both the federal and state government level which he noted required the support of all for consolidation.
One of the high points of the event which was the formal motion of endorsement, drew excitement across the packed arena. Performing the ceremony, Bello moved for the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in office and was seconded by the chairman of the organising committee, Senator Smart Adeyemi.
The former governor also moved another motion for the endorsement of Governor Ododo for a second term in office.This was seconded by the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf.
Speaking further, Bello maintained that “Tinubu was created with a special grace of God, and no one can fight that grace and succeed. I therefore encourage everyone who loves this country to support President Tinubu for a second term in office”.
Addressing the party faithful, Chieftains from the three Senatorial Districts of the state collectively applauded President Tinubu for his bold reforms and inclusive governance. They also commended Governor Ododo for prioritising the welfare of citizens through projects and programmes.
Some of the prominent dignitaries that addressed the gathering include, the APC State Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, member representing Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro Federal Constituency of Kogi State, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali (Halims) , Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, former National Women Leader of APC, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa, former commissioner Hajiya Halima Alfa as well as the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly Prince Matthew Kolawole.
On his part, the Chairman of the Tinubu/ Ododo Endorsement Campaign, Senator, Smart Adeyemi, praised both leaders for implementing people-focused programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he noted were already yielding tangible results in the country and Kogi State.
Responding to the endorsement, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, expressed deep appreciation to the people of the state for their unwavering support. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to enhancing lives and social services.
The governor also affirmed that kogi State was firmly in solidarity with the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his results-driven approach to governance.
He hailed the people of Kogi State for endorsing Tinubu to continue leading the country until 2031 noting that the show of solidarity was a confirmation that the APC-led federal government was making positive impact in the state.
While reaffirming his unflinching loyalty and support to the Tinubu led administration and programmess, he emphasised that the on-going reforms by the federal government werebeing complimented by his administration . Just as the Renew Hope Agenda of Mr President has translated into Renewed Hope of activities across the communities in the state.
The governor stated further that the endorsement was borne out the conviction that the President Tinubu was building a nation for future generations of Nigerians stressing that Kogi identifys with continuity, progress and a leadership that is bold enough to do what was right.
According to him, the Renew Hope Agenda was not a mere political ritual but policies that work and are designed to transform the lives of Nigerians. Adding that come 2027, the people of Kogi State would speak with one voice to give the president 100% victory.
Governor Ododo used the occasion to highlight the progress recorded by his administration since assumption of office,citing achievements in , infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture.