Erico Pledges Inclusive Representation, Appreciates APC Support in Kogi East

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kogi East Senatorial District,
Chief Joseph Ameh Erico, has expressed appreciation to party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters across the district for their overwhelming support during the recently concluded senatorial primary election.

Chief Erico spoke on Thursday during a grand reception held in Ejule Community, Ofu Local Government Area, where APC leaders and members gathered to celebrate the party’s victory and reaffirm their commitment to unity ahead of the 2027 general election.

Addressing party supporters, Chief Erico thanked the APC family in Kogi East for standing by him and assured the people that he would remain accessible and committed to delivering quality representation.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as purposeful leadership and ongoing development across Kogi State, promising to complement the governor’s efforts through impactful representation at the National Assembly.

According to him, his upbringing and personal experiences have given him a deep understanding of the challenges facing ordinary citizens.

“I understand the suffering of the people because I have experienced hardship myself,” he stated.

Chief Erico also emphasized the need for improved security in Igala and Bassa land, noting that sustainable development can only thrive in a peaceful environment.

He pledged to use his experience as a security expert to promote peace and stability across the district.

The APC candidate further promised to attract investments, create employment opportunities for youths, and support farmers through enhanced agricultural programmes.

He stressed that his ambition is rooted in unity and development, assuring party members and supporters that he would not disappoint them if elected in 2027.

Speaking at the event, the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan, appreciated stakeholders from the nine local government areas for supporting Chief Erico, whom he described as the best candidate for the district.

Similarly, the Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area and ALGON Secretary, Hon. Urah John, described Erico as a grassroots politician with strong electoral appeal.

The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Humanitarian Affairs, Hajiya Baby Okwute, stated that the time had come for Ankpa Federal Constituency to produce the next senator for Kogi East, while urging political office holders to remain loyal to the APC leadership.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo, described Chief Erico as humble, dependable, and accessible, calling on other aspirants to support him in the interest of unity and progress in Kogi East.

The Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba, also described the APC candidate as competent and prepared for the task ahead, urging the people of Kogi East to rally behind him in the next election.

In his remarks, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu, congratulated Chief Erico on emerging as the APC senatorial candidate and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello for their commitment to party unity and democratic values.

He noted that the outcome of the primary election reflected the collective will of APC members in Kogi East and appealed to aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to close ranks and work together for the success of the party.

Comrade Salifu further urged party members to remain united and focused ahead of the general election while calling on youths to shun violence and political bitterness.

The event also witnessed the defection of Hajiya Akpidi Mariam Habib Yakubu from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the APC alongside over 200 supporters.

Speaking during the defection, Hajiya Akpidi said her decision to join the ruling party was motivated by the developmental strides of Governor Ododo and her desire to contribute to the progress of the APC in Kogi East.

She was officially received into the party by the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman.

The event attracted prominent government officials and party stalwarts, including the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Salifu; the State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Yusuf Okala and the APC Kogi East Zonal Chairman, Hon. Ogwu Abdul Alhassan.

Others are the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Comfort Nwuchiola Egwaba; the Vice Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Usman Ogbo; commissioners, council chairmen, advisers to the governor, and other political appointees.