The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo, reportedly attended the Peoples Democratic Party Governors Forum Gala Night, hosted by the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, after the Forum’s meeting held in Jalingo, the state capital, on Friday.
The gala night, according to the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri, in a post via his X handle, @GovernorAUF, on Saturday, was to showcase “The rich cultural heritage of Taraba State.”
The post, which included pictures, one of which Ododo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, was seen flanked by the PDP governors, read, “Yesterday, after our @OfficialPDPNig Governors Forum meeting, @GovAgbuKefas hosted a vibrant Gala Night showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Taraba. From the colourful displays to the captivating performances, it was truly a night to remember. Thank you, Taraba, for your warm hospitality.”
Wondering why an APC governor who secured a Supreme Court victory barely hours earlier would attend a PDP function, Nigerians have begun questioning Ododo’s presence at the gala night.
Reacting to the post, an X user who posts as @PrinceOfIgala wrote, “Is that not Ododo, who got the Supreme Court judgement yesterday? I will be glad if that is Ododo who got Supreme Court judgment yesterday I am seeing there. @officialABAT how market?.”
@Ayotund1 wrote, “Ododo dey PDP be that o”, @oil_shaeikh wrote, “Is that not Gov Ododo”, @hon_Asadiq reacted by saying, “What brought Ododo here please?”, @mashaallahujada simply quipped, “Hmm, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.”
Another X user who posts as @Emmanue99884047 simply inquired, “Who brought Ododo here?”, @LOD_hyper7 questioned the Kogi governor’s presence at the gala night saying, “No be Ododo be this?”, another X user, @Jaycn330 also inquired, “Is that not Usman Ododo of Kogi State.”
The Supreme Court had on Friday dismissed the appeal of the Social Democratic Party candidate, Murtala Ajaka, contesting Ododo’s victory in the Kogi State governorship election.
Ajaka had challenged the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission after the November 11, 2023 election which produced APC’s Ododo as winner.
After his petition was dismissed at the Kogi State Election Petition Tribunal, Ajaka appealed the tribunal judgment at the Court of Appeal, Abuja, where his appeal was also dismissed.
A five-member panel of the apex court, in a unanimous decision on Friday, affirmed Ododo’s victory as the panel refused to void the election as requested by Ajaka.
While Ajaka was present in court and was attacked by some political thugs on his way out, Ododo was absent only to be sighted in Taraba few hours later.
Kogi govt reacts to Ododo’s presence in PDP govs’ group photograph
The Kogi State Government has reacted to speculations that Governor Ododo is considering leaving the APC after he was seen among governors of the PDP in a photograph taken at an event in Taraba state on Friday.
In a press statement issued by Kingsley Fanwo, the State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, the government labeled the speculation as “reckless and unprofessional,” dismissing them as a fabrication by political opponents.”
According to the statement, the falsehood is being spread by individuals who are dissatisfied with their legal losses and are now attempting to gain entry into the APC through deceitful means.
The government assured the public that Governor Ododo remains a dedicated member of the APC, pointing out that he has recently triumphed in a Supreme Court case with the party’s support.
The rumors reportedly stem from a photograph of Governor Ododo attending the wedding of the daughter of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, which was reportedly attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries across party lines.
The government clarified that the Governor was merely honoring a colleague and that his attendance at the event should not be misconstrued as a sign of political realignment.
The government, however, reiterates its support for the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ongoing efforts to unify the nation across party lines.
