The processes to woo the duo of ex-Gov Idris Wada and ex-Gov Ibrahim Idris of Kogi State to the ruling APC were ignited with the informal visit of the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and the incumbent Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo to Wada’s residence on Sunday.

Wada and Idris are both former governors of Kogi State who are still card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ex-Gov Ibrahim Idris governed Kogi State for 9 years between 2003 and 2012 on the platform of the PDP, while ex-Gov Idris Wada, who succeeded him, also ruled Kogi State for 4 years between 2012 and 2015 on the platform of the PDP.

As the duo of Wada and Ibro remain staunch members of the PDP after their respective tenures as governors, efforts are on to get them to decamp to the APC, as confirmed in an informal visit to ex-Gov Wada’s residence yesterday in Abuja.

A statement by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, in Lokoja yesterday, noted that the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Yahaya Bello, and the incumbent Governor, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo paid a courtesy visit to a former Governor of the State, Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, at his residence.

Fanwo said, “The trio had extensive discussions on the economic development of the State as well as the need for leaders to continue strengthening the unity of Kogi.
“Capt. Idris Wada expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as an honour and a mark of respect for leadership. He assured the visitors of his unalloyed support for the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stressing that unity among leaders is crucial to the peace and progress of the State.”

The Commissioner added that Governor Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive governance, emphasising that the collective interest of the Kogi people will always take precedence over political differences.

Fanwo noted that the meeting reflects a growing consensus among leaders of the State to work together in advancing development and building a more united Kogi.
The Guardian, however, learnt that the private visit to ex-Gov Wada’s residence was a deliberate step to woo him to the APC in the days ahead.

The visitors and the host centred their meeting on “unity,” a clear indication of a common interest to work for one political party come 2027.
The Guardian also learnt that a similar private visit had been planned at the residence of ex-Gov Ibrahim Idris.