More than 600 members of the Peoples Democratic Party, Social Democratic Party and other parties defected to the All Progressives Congress during a reception held in honour of Kogi State Deputy Governor Joel Salifu in Ejule on Saturday. The event was hosted by the Ofu Local Government Traditional Council and other indigenes to celebrate Salifu, described by traditional ruler HRH Akwu Obaje as "our own son." Obaje praised the deputy governor for humility and loyalty, and commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for trusting Salifu and respecting traditional institutions. He pledged the council's support for peace, unity and development, and called for government intervention in roads, healthcare, security, youth empowerment and rural development in the farming and trading communities.
Salifu, in his response, said the reception was a deeply honouring moment and expressed gratitude to the traditional council, political leaders, women and youths. He affirmed loyalty to Governor Ododo and thanked former governor Yahaya Bello for his service opportunity. Salifu reiterated his commitment to humility and service, stating leadership is about serving the people. He highlighted ongoing government projects, including road measurements in Ofu, provision of transformers, remodelling of primary schools and improved access to clean water in some communities. He urged youths to reject kidnapping, cultism and other criminal acts, noting the administration's firm stance against crime.
Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo urged citizens to maintain peace and unity regardless of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. He described Salifu as a humble and dedicated public servant whose competence strengthened the administration. Fanwo said Ododo has full confidence in Salifu and enjoys a cordial working relationship with him. Muhammad Lawal, Executive Chairman of Ofu Local Government Area, reaffirmed local support for the Ododo administration and praised its statewide development efforts. The event included prayers, cultural displays and church choir performances. Over 600 defectors were formally received into the APC, marking a significant party gain ahead of the 2027 elections. Dignitaries present included the Kogi State Commissioners for Youth and Sports Development.
Joel Salifu is celebrated as a humble leader while presiding over a mass defection that benefits his party politically, creating a tension between service rhetoric and partisan gain. The deputy governor's emphasis on loyalty to both Ododo and Bello sits uneasily with the sudden collapse of opposition parties in Ofu. Government projects cited—transformers, road measurements, school remodelling—are yet to be completed, yet are used to justify political realignment. The reception honours a public servant, but the event's outcome strengthens one party, raising questions about the neutrality of state-backed development messaging.
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