Ex–Kogi Assembly Speaker Imam Returns to APC, Pledges Loyalty Ahead of 2027 Polls

A former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Umar Imam, has formally announced his return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), pledging total commitment to the party’s success in the 2027 general elections.

Imam made the declaration on Thursday in Lokoja, where he expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as a “fatherly role” that facilitated his return to the party under which he was first elected as the lawmaker representing Lokoja I State Constituency.

“I am back home,” Imam said. “The APC is the original party I belong to, and I remain fully committed to ensuring its victory in the 2027 elections at all levels.”

The former Speaker, a founding member of the APC in Lokoja Local Government Area, had earlier defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to contest a vacant seat in the Lokoja/Koton-Karfe Federal Constituency. He, however, stressed that his return was driven by the need for unity and progress within the APC.

Imam dismissed speculations of internal divisions within the party in Kogi State, insisting that the APC remains united and focused under the leadership of Governor Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“There is no division in the APC in Kogi State,” he declared. “We are one family, working together to secure victory for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.”

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that he further explained that his decision to embark on a ward-by-ward tour was to formally notify party executives and members of his return, acknowledging their pivotal role in party affairs.

“The party executives are the owners of the APC. They are the ones who nominate candidates—from the governor to legislators and other office holders. I am here to officially inform them that I have returned to work with them for the progress of our party,” Imam said.

Calling on Kogites to rally behind the current administration at both state and federal levels, Imam also expressed appreciation to the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for his support and leadership.

“I urge all Kogites to support the APC administration under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and to stand firmly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Let us ensure victory in 2027, both in the governorship and presidential elections, so that the dividends of democracy can reach our people,” he added.

He also appealed to aggrieved party members to sheath their swords and work collectively for the success of the APC.

“Now is the time to bury all grievances. Unity is key if we must succeed as a party in the coming elections,” Imam said.

In his remarks, the APC Youth Leader in Kogi State, Mohammed Mohammed, welcomed Imam back to the party, describing his return as timely and significant.

“This is a historic moment for the APC in Kogi State,” Mohammed said. “Rt. Hon. Imam is a man of the people, known for his humanitarian services in Lokoja. His return is a blessing not just to the party, but to the entire state.”

He urged Imam to leverage his influence to foster unity within the party in Lokoja Local Government Area.

“Your return to the APC is a blessing to us. We urge you to use your position to unite party members in Lokoja as we prepare for the task ahead. Loyalty and unity will guarantee our success in future elections,” Mohammed added.

The meeting was attended by top party stalwarts, executives, supporters and party faithful, during which Rt. Hon. Ahmed Umar Imam was officially declared the APC leader in Lokoja Local Government Area.

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