In a significant political realignment, Vice President Kashim Shettima has officially received a wave of prominent opposition figures into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during a ceremony held in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Major Political Defections Shake Kogi
The event, which took place on 17 November 2025, saw the formal defection of former Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was joined by the Social Democratic Party's (SDP) deputy governorship candidate, Hon Samuel Abenemi, alongside numerous other notable opposition members from across the state.
In a vibrant and symbolic ceremony, the decampees were each presented with the APC flag, a gesture led by the Vice President. The gathering marked a substantial consolidation of political forces in the Confluence State under the APC banner.
Decampees Cite Tinubu's Leadership and Economic Gains
Speaking on behalf of all the new entrants, former Governor Wada expressed his satisfaction at finally joining what he termed the "progressive family." He outlined several key reasons for their collective decision to cross over to the APC.
Wada praised President Bola Tinubu's vision, specifically highlighting the controversial removal of the fuel subsidy. He claimed this policy has resulted in a daily decrease in food prices and an appreciation of the Naira against the US Dollar. According to him, these actions have helped pull the nation's economy out of distress and set it on a path of recovery.
"The dividends of democracy by Mr President are numerous," Wada stated, "but with these few reasons, we are taking the bold step to cross over to APC today. We must unite with the President to ensure his victory in 2027."
APC Leadership Hails a New Chapter
In his response, Vice President Shettima described the event as a heartening development and a clear indication of good governance in Kogi State. He welcomed the decampees, particularly noting the significance of receiving an elder statesman like Capt. Wada.
Shettima characterized the APC as a coalition of influential figures dedicated to bringing peace and progress to Nigeria. He assured the new members they would not regret joining the progressive movement.
The Vice President concluded with a confident message for the President, stating, "I am going back to Abuja to deliver the message to Mr President, the message from the Confluence state today is that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu's victory in 2027 is total."
Earlier, the Kogi State APC Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, had set the tone by assuring the Vice President that President Tinubu's victory in the state for a second term was already guaranteed, rendering extensive campaigns unnecessary.
