Politics
2023: CSO Seeks for Adequate Security, Active Youths Participation in Politics

Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Ahead of 2023 general elections in Nigeria, the Executive Director, Connected Development, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Mr Hamzat Lawal, on Sunday called on government at all levels to work towards putting in place adequate security for smooth and successful conduct of the polls. adsbygoogle || []).push({});
Lawal also stressed the need for active participation of youths across the country in Politics saying that as future leaders, they should be gradually groomed in the art of politicking.
Lawal, an independent observer made this call at the sideline of Kogi Central Senatorial primary election of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okene at the weekend.
According to him, without adequate security, the INEC’s sensitive materials will not be safe, and Nigerians will not come out to cast their ballot thereby leading to voter apathy.
”There is need to ensure adequate security as much as primaries elections are ongoing in Nigeria, but my major concern is the general elections in 2023.
”Today, I am happy that we have adequate security on ground and some of the agents and aspirants are well coordinated.
”We have INEC officials as well as various security agencies to ensure there is peace and the election is free and fair,” he said.
Lawal also urged Nigerian youths to ensure active participation in politics by being a card carrying member of a political party, and be part of the process and structure.
An anti-corruption activist and founder, Follow The Money, stressed that youths participation in political process was key to embracing inclusion, inter-generational equity and dialogue.
He urged the politicians and legislators to put their personal interest aside, and deliver on good governance and services to the people based on their ideals and manifestos.
Lawal, an anti-corruption activist and co-founder, Follow the Money, said the fact that money politics was still playing precedent in Nigeria, signified that the Anti- Corruption Agencies were not doing enough.
“If they do, people with money bags will be scared to use money to entice voters.
”If we must get it right, we must embrace our value system which has eroded,” he said.
Lawal disclosed that the CSO had deployed observers who were documenting the entire process of the parties’ primary elections, adding that the report would be out soon.
He emphasised that Science and Technology should play a big role in the next election to reduce voters apathy and ensure peaceful, free and fair election where politicians would not muzzle the process and the people.
Mr Abubakar Ohere, the former Kogi State Commissioner for Works, won the Kogi Central Senatorial APC primary election with 260 votes.
Ohere defeated two other aspirants, Mr Ramatu Attah and Alh. Dalhatu Sheriff, who polled 13 and 11 votes respectively.
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Politics
Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello Disowns APC Chairmanship Campaign Posters

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
A former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, has distanced himself from APC National Chairmanship campaign posters recently seen across the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
A statement by his Director of Media, Michael Ohiare, dismissed the posters saying that it is the work of mischief makers.
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Ohiare expressed surprise at reports suggesting the APC chairmanship campaign posters of the immediate past Kogi governor had flooded parts of Abuja.
“They (the mischief makers) are at it again, having failed on many fronts in their desperate ‘bring-him-down-at-all-costs’ mission,” he noted.
He said the reports would ordinarily be ignored, as close associates know Bello’s loyalty to the party is unwavering.
“As a committed party man, his support for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has never been in doubt,” Ohiare added.
He stressed that nothing of the sort could come from Bello, particularly when party procedures remain firmly in place.
“Since this is not the first time mischief makers have printed posters in his name, silence is no longer an option,” Ohiare declared.
He stated that no one was authorised, directly or indirectly, to print or paste any poster on Bello’s behalf.
He urged the public to disregard such acts by individuals bent on embarrassing the former governor.
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Politics
Kogi Mass Defection: Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello the Master Strategist

By Ben Abah
The mass defection of thousands of members from various political parties to the All Progressives Congress (APC) today July 5, 2025 in Kogi State has sparked widespread for Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello’s leadership acumen.
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The defection, which saw prominent figures such as Hon. Samuel Aro, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Salaudeen (Erukutu), Hon. T.J. Faniyi, and Commodore Folorunsho Daniel was Bello’s Masterstroke that boost his credentials as one of the top leaders of the Party.
Alh Yahaya Adoza Bello’s activeness in APC has borne fruit, with thousands of members defecting to the party. Bello’s role in driving this development has been instrumental, and his vision for a one-party system in Kogi State is becoming a reality.
Former Gov. Bello while Speaking at the Occasion said, “Despite the intention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to make Nigeria a one-party system, Kogi would be a one-party system.” This bold statement reflects his commitment to the party’s ideals and his determination to deliver results.
Given his efforts in bringing Kogi State to the brink of becoming a one-party system, many are now speculating that Bello deserves the national chairmanship of the APC.
His leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in strengthening the party’s presence in the state, and his influence extends beyond Kogi State.
Governor Ododo during his speech, expressed his gratitude to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “Leaders and members of our great party, we are here today because someone has provided us the platform. On this note, I rise to appreciate His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we want to tell Mr. President that we in Kogi State are not ingrates. I am standing here to tell Mr. President that we in Kogi State, we are not hungry and we are not angry, perhaps anyone says Nigerians are hungry and angry, we are not part of them.”
While addressing the crowd, Governor Ododo also thanked the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, promising to drive his mandate of leadership with him throughout his administration. He warmly welcomed the defectors to the APC, saying, “I welcome all the decampees to the All Progressives Congress (APC).” He also promised to address security challenges in the Yagba East Local Government Area, warning indigenes and traditional rulers to desist from partnering with criminals.
The Acting APC National Chairman, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, represented by Mazu Bawa Rijau, formally welcomed the defectors to the party and handed over the party flag to the Decampees. He said, “On behalf of the National Acting Chairman of our great Party , I formally welcome you to the party.”
Bello’s contributions to the APC’s growth and development make a strong case for his candidacy for the National chairmanship. His ability to deliver results and build a strong party structure in Kogi State demonstrates his potential to lead the party at the national level.
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Politics
Mass Defection: Ododo’s Promise to APC Bears Fruit as Thousands Join Party In Kogi

Our Correspondent
In a significant development, thousands of members from various political parties in Kogi West have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at an event held at Itedo Makutu open Space, Isanlu, Yagba East LGA.
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This mass defection is seen as a fulfillment of a promise made by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the APC, showcasing his commitment and loyalty to the party.
The defection ceremony, which took place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, highlights Ododo’s influence and the growing appeal of the APC in the region.
Governor Ododo expressed confidence in the party’s victory in the upcoming 2027 polls, citing the party’s unified stance and the goodwill generated by his administration.
During his speech, Governor Ododo expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying, “Leaders and members of our great party, we are here today because someone has provided us the platform. On this note, I rise to appreciate His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we want to tell Mr. President that we in Kogi State are not ingrates. I am standing here to tell Mr. President that we in Kogi State, we are not hungry and we are not angry, perhaps anyone says Nigerians are hungry and angry, we are not part of them.”
Governor Ododo also thanked the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, promising to drive his mandate of leadership with him throughout his administration.
He warmly welcomed the defectors to the APC, saying, “I welcome all the decampees to the All Progressives Congress (APC).” He also promised to address security challenges in the Yagba East Local Government Area, warning indigenes and traditional rulers to desist from partnering with criminals.
The Acting APC National Chairman, Alhaji Bukar Dalori, represented by Mazu Bawa Rijau, formally welcomed the defectors to the party and handed over the party flag to the Decampees. He said, “On behalf of people of the National Acting Chairman of our great Party , I formally welcome you to the party.”
Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello also addressed the gathering, saying, “I am here today in this epoch-making event to receive our members who went on an adventure but are back to us now. Despite the intention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to make Nigeria a one-party system, Kogi would be a one-party system.” He further stressed that Kogi will stand on the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Recall that on June 20, 205 the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, at the APC National Secretariat reaffirmed his loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.
Speaking during the visit, he expressed deep appreciation to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for their steadfast support, both during his election and in the early days of his administration.
Today’s massive defection to All Progressives Congress has proven Governor Ododo as a serial promise Keeper.
The mass defection is proof of Ododo’s good leadership and the APC’s growing strength in Kogi State.
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