From Olu Samuel, Lokoja
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has rallied the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East to close ranks and commence aggressive mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor was speaking on Sunday after the thank-you and victory mobilisation tour of the APC Kogi East Senatorial candidate, Chief Dr Joseph Ameh Erico.
The visit culminated in a colourful homecoming reception at Erico’s hometown, Etutekpe, Okpo, in Olamaboro Local Government Area.
The governor congratulated Erico on his emergence and declared the APC’s readiness to secure victory across Kogi East.
Ododo who was represented by his deputy, Joel Salifu Oyibo led the APC mobilisation train through Idah, Ejule, Anyigba and Ankpa before the final rally in Etutekpe.
He formally presented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Erico and the three APC House of Representatives candidates to the people, urging party members to unite and work collectively for victory in the 2027 polls.
”The tour was designed to enable Erico appreciate APC leaders, delegates, stakeholders and supporters for their support during the senatorial primary, while simultaneously strengthening the party’s grassroots structure ahead of the 2027 election,” the governor noted.
The governor said the uploading of the candidate’s name by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had effectively settled the controversy over the APC’s senatorial candidate for Kogi East.
He described Erico’s emergence as a “victory for the party, stressing that there was no victor or vanquished within the APC.”
Also on the tour were members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, commissioners, local government chairmen, government appointees, APC stakeholders, party leaders and hundreds of supporters.
In his remarks, Erico thanked the people of Kogi East for the confidence reposed in him during the senatorial primary, promising to justify the mandate.
He described his emergence as a victory for the people, stressing that his ambition to represent Kogi East in the Senate was not a personal project but a commitment to providing effective representation and advancing the interests of the people.
“I want to sincerely thank all of you for the confidence you have reposed in me. I will not betray this trust. I will remain accessible to you and will work tirelessly to ensure that the voice and interests of Kogi East are properly represented at the National Assembly,” Erico said.
He called on APC members across the three federal constituencies to remain united and take the party’s message to every ward and polling unit.
According to him, “victory in 2027 would be achieved through unity, hard work and sustained grassroots mobilisation.
Erico also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and Deputy Governor Salifu for their leadership and support, urging APC stakeholders to work together to deliver victory for all the party’s candidates.