Chief Joseph Ameh Erico, the Kogi East senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has pledged to join forces with other Nigerians to ensure the successful re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in 2027.
Chief Erico made this commitment while addressing Kogi East stakeholders at Ejule on Thursday during a reception organized in his honor by the stakeholders, celebrating his victory in the Kogi East senatorial primaries.
A jubilant crowd from the nine local government areas converged at Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State, to receive the victorious candidate. According to reports, Chief Erico emerged victorious after defeating the incumbent Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho and former governorship candidate Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka.
The reception was attended by top government officials and party leaders, 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, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba; the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo; commissioners, council chairmen, advisers to the governor, and other officials.
Speaking at the event, Chief Erico thanked party leaders, members, government officials, and supporters for their steadfast support, assuring them that he would always remain accessible to the people. He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing good governance and development across the state.
Chief Erico stated that his election victory was a prelude to the successful re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo in 2027. He said, “My election from the zone is a major booster to the second term election of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. My coming on board has already strengthened their election because I am coming to join forces with other Nigerians to make the secondary election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo successful.
“I am not coming to rest; I have come to team up with other APC stakeholders for a decisive second term project of Mr. President and my Governor. So I invite you to join me to collectively achieve this victory. We must ensure we deliver.”
While calling for unity among the people of the zone, he further promised to attract foreign investors, create employment opportunities for youths, and support farmers through improved agricultural programmes.
On his part, the Kogi East APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan, thanked party stakeholders across the nine local government areas for supporting Chief Erico, describing him as the right choice for the people. He expressed confidence that Erico would provide quality representation and improve the lives of the people if elected in 2027.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area and ALGON Secretary, Hon. Urah John, appreciated party stakeholders for supporting what he described as a grassroots and marketable candidate.
The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Baby Okwute, said it is time for Ankpa Federal Constituency to produce the next senator, while urging elected officials to always remain loyal to the party hierarchy.
Also speaking, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, described Chief Erico as a humble, accessible, and dependable leader. He called on other aspirants to support him in the interest of unity and progress of Kogi East.
Similarly, the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, described Chief Erico as competent and well-prepared for the job, urging the people of Kogi East to support him massively in 2027.
In his address, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, thanked APC leaders, stakeholders, and party members for their support and commitment during the Kogi East APC primary elections. He congratulated Chief Joseph Ameh Erico for emerging as the party’s senatorial candidate and praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello for their leadership, support for democracy, and commitment to party unity.
He said the outcome of the primary election reflected the true wishes of APC members in Kogi East and called on party leaders to respect and protect the decision made by the people. The Deputy Governor also appealed to other aspirants and their supporters to put aside differences and work together with Chief Erico for the progress and unity of Kogi East and the APC.
Comrade Joel Salifu further urged party members to remain united and focused ahead of the general election. He called on youths to avoid violence and political bitterness, while encouraging people to continue supporting the administration of Governor Ododo and President Tinubu, saying unity and cooperation are necessary for the development of Kogi East and Nigeria.
The highlight of the event was the defection of Hajiya Akpidi Mariam Habib Yakubu from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the ruling APC, alongside over 200 supporters. She said her decision to join the APC was inspired by the good works of the Governor and her desire to contribute to the progress of the party. She was officially received into the APC by the Kogi East APC Zonal Chairman.
