In what has been described by political observers as a strategic realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State formally received Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro and a host of influential political figures back into the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The grand reception, held in Itedo-Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area, was a powerful show of political strength and party unity, signaling the growing momentum of the APC in Kogi West Senatorial District.
Ododo to Returnees: “APC is Your True Political Home”
Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters, Governor Ododo described the return of the decampees as a “homecoming”, not a fresh beginning. He praised their decision to rejoin the APC and highlighted the party’s core commitment to inclusive leadership and grassroots development.
“The APC remains your true political home. You are not guests—you are family returning to where you belong. We are stronger together and fully prepared to deliver more for the people of Kogi State,” the Governor said.
He also acknowledged the political legacy of his predecessor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, crediting him for building a resilient party structure that continues to attract capable leaders.
Call for Development and Security in Yagba
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Hon. Abdulganiyu Salaudeen, former Chairman of Yagba East LGA, appealed to the state government to prioritize security and infrastructure development in Yagba land. He emphasized that peace and safety remain fundamental to sustainable growth, and urged the Governor to act decisively on lingering issues affecting the region.
Governor Ododo responded swiftly, assuring the people of Yagba that their concerns would not be taken lightly. He declared that the security and prosperity of Yagba land is a top priority for his administration, and vowed to tackle insecurity with prompt government intervention.
“No meaningful development can take place without peace. I am committed to ensuring that Yagba is both secure and prosperous,” he affirmed.
He also promised to expand social programs, boost infrastructure projects, and deepen government presence throughout the senatorial district.
Political Titans Reunite to Strengthen APC
Hon. Aro’s return was accompanied by a formidable team of political heavyweights. Among them were Hon. T.J. Faniyi, a veteran grassroots politician, Engr. Kayode Adegbayo, a respected technocrat, and Hon. Simon Ibikunle Idowu, the current representative of Yagba West in the Kogi State House of Assembly. Others included Hon. Iyabo Owoniyi, a strong advocate for gender inclusion, Commodore Folusho Daniel (Rtd), Christopher Oni, Edward Meseko, Jesse Oloke, and Hon. Makinde Oyebode.
Their collective return to the APC was seen as a major victory for the party and a sign of a resurgent political wave sweeping through Kogi West.
Massive Turnout of APC Leadership
The significance of the occasion was further underscored by the presence of top-ranking APC leaders and government officials. Former Governor Yahaya Bello led the party delegation with his characteristic charisma and authority. He was joined by the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Senator Abubakar Ohere, and Barr. Deedat Ozigi. Also present were Hon. Alfred Bello, the Vice Chancellor of Kogi State University, Kabba, Prof. Kehinde Eniola, and the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade.
The event also saw the attendance of Cmdr. Jerry Omodara (Rtd), Security Adviser to the Governor, and Hon. Duro Meseko, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, who led a delegation from the APC National Working Committee.
Yahaya Bello: “They Only Went on Umrah”
In his signature style, former Governor Yahaya Bello addressed the crowd with confidence and humor. Referring to the decampees’ earlier exit from the party, he said:
“They didn’t leave the APC. They only went on Umrah — and now they’ve returned home.”
His remarks were met with applause and laughter from the crowd, reinforcing the idea that the APC family remains united.
Bello reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and urged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom he described as a visionary leader with the mandate of the Nigerian people.
“President Tinubu is governing in the best interest of Nigerians. No noise from the opposition will distract us from supporting his transformative agenda,” he added.
Throughout the event, Bello received glowing tributes from speakers who described him as the undisputed leader of the APC in Kogi State and a rising force in national politics.
Push for Yahaya Bello as APC National Chairman
In a notable political endorsement, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, advocated for Yahaya Bello’s emergence as the next National Chairman of the APC. He cited Bello’s unmatched political record, capacity for mobilization, and strategic leadership as qualities needed at the national level to strengthen the party’s base ahead of 2027.
Ododo’s 2027 Re-Election Momentum Builds
As the rally drew to a close, the atmosphere became electric with chants of “Four plus Four for Ododo!” echoing through the venue. Party loyalists, youth groups, and returnees pledged total support for Governor Ododo’s second-term ambition.
Community members and supporters also hailed the return of Hon. Aro and his allies as a turning point for Yagba land. Many expressed optimism that his political re-alignment with the ruling party would unlock long-overdue development opportunities for the region.
“With Hon. Aro back in the APC, we are confident that Yagba will finally receive the attention and investment it deserves,” said a local youth leader.
The event not only solidified the APC’s resurgence in Kogi West but also sent a strong message to the opposition: the APC remains united, mobilized, and firmly in control ahead of the 2027 elections.