Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s broadening coalition reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, competence and national unity.
Shettima made this known in Lokoja, when he formally received former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Idris Wada and other prominent politicians into the APC.
He said the decision of the “elder statesman and partner in building a stronger Nigeria,” to join the party was driven by national interest rather than personal interest.
“This is not a victory of one ego over another. What we are witnessing is an alignment with a broader national vision and a platform of stability,” he said.
The vice president described the APC as a political home where progressives converge to build a renewed nation.
Shettima, therefore, urged new entrants to see the party as a platform for service and development, particularly in Kogi State, where he pledged sustained peace and accelerated growth.
”We shall deepen peace in Kogi. We shall expand development in Kogi State. We shall uphold the promise of a renewed Nigeria.
”Because you have shown that when leaders choose peace, the people reap progress. The APC does not take your trust for granted,” the Vice-President said.
He also described the defection of former Kogi governor, Idris Wada, and other notable political figures into the APC as a confluence of progressives and a triumph of reason.
He hailed Tinubu for his deliberate and committed effort to build an inclusive and trustworthy political platform capable of attracting credible leaders from across Nigeria’s political landscape.
Shettima drew a symbolic connection between the city where the Niger and Benue Rivers meet and what he said was a merging of convictions for national renewal.
According to him, the movement reflects a growing shift toward political stability, unity and national alignment under the leadership of President Tinubu.
He commended Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi State for providing a calm strength, continuity and people-driven governance.
The Vice President also commended the former Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi for ensuring a dignified and exemplary democratic transition.
“The joy of every democracy is the genuine cooperation between a predecessor and a successor. It is a relationship that must be built on patience and trust.
‘Kogi has shown that this is possible even when it is most difficult,” Shettima said.
He stated that the cooperation between the two leaders in the confluence state stands as “a reassuring national example of political maturity.”
Earlier, governor Ododo, described the new members as men of value, character and integrity, who have joined the progressives family to serve the people.
He thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their support at all times, pointing out that within two years of his administration, the President has visited the state three times.
“Sir, I believe that you will not be tired of our invitation. We are welcoming you, and we are behind you and to let you know that what is happening today, with the coming of our leader, His Excellency Capt. Idris Wada and others.
“Today, we are here not only to receive and welcome the decampees to the progressives family but to, once again, express our gratitude and appreciation to Mr. President for his leadership, commitment to the unity, peace and prosperity of our dear nation, particularly, Kogi State.
“We are here again to appreciate our leaders and every other critical stakeholder of our dear state, who laid the foundation for us to continue with their good job.
“We are here again to appreciate all our progressives who support good governance and have resolved to join us today to ensure that we move Kogi State forward.”
Also, the National Chairman of APC, Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda, said the National Working Committee of APC was in confluence state to rescue the state from the sinking People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“We are here to give a platform and to give a life jacket inside the ocean for people who are stranded inside the ocean in that ship called PDP.
“Your Excellency, I’m pleased to present to you the former Governor of Kogi , His Excellency, retired Capt. Idris Wada, who is moving from the sinking ship to become a progressive.
“I also have Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi, Imam Alfa, Idowu Ibekunle and the rest who have joined the progressive family today. I welcome you to the family of progressives.
”You have taken the wise choice in your political life,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors , Wada, said his decision to joined the APC was motivated by President Tinubu’s performance in areas of infrastructure development, economic reforms and social investment.
“The reasons for crossing over are numerous but there is no time for me to explain them to you. APC is a progressives party and is leading Nigeria in the right direction. Mr President made a very bold decision in removing fuel subsidy.
“Initially, we all felt all kinds of pains but now, fuel price is dropping almost every month, the exchange rate, which the President unified, has stabilised our currency.
“The naira is appreciating on a regular basis in the foreign exchange market, ” Wada said.
Other dignitaries who attended the grand reception include the Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu; former Minister of State for FCT, Dr Ramatu Aliyu; Senator Smart Adeyemi; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Benjamin Kalu; Alhaji Ali Dalori among others
