Vice President Kashim Shettima has said that the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s expanding coalition demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, competence, and national unity.

Shettima made the remarks in Lokoja, Kogi State, while formally receiving former governor of Kogi, Alhaji Idris Wada, and other prominent politicians into the APC.

He emphasized that the decision of these “elder statesmen and partners in building a stronger Nigeria” to join the party was motivated by national interest rather than personal ambition.

“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,” Shettima said. He described the APC as a political home where progressives converge to build a renewed nation.

Shettima urged new entrants to view the party as a platform for service and development, particularly in Kogi State, pledging 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. When leaders choose peace, the people reap progress. The APC does not take your trust for granted,” he added.

He hailed the defection of former Governor Wada and other political figures as a confluence of progressives and a triumph of reason, praising Tinubu for building an inclusive and credible platform that attracts leaders across Nigeria’s political spectrum. Shettima drew a symbolic connection between the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers in Lokoja and the merging of convictions for national renewal.

The Vice President also commended Governor Usman Ododo for providing calm, people-driven governance and former Governor Yahaya Bello for ensuring a dignified democratic transition. “The joy of every democracy is genuine cooperation between a predecessor and a successor. Kogi has shown that this is possible even in difficult times,” he said.

Governor Ododo described the new entrants as men of value, character, and integrity committed to the progressives’ agenda. He also thanked President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for their consistent support, noting the President’s three visits to the state within two years.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nantawe Yilwatda described the National Working Committee’s presence in Kogi as an effort to rescue the state from the sinking People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He formally welcomed the defectors, including Wada, Chief Sam Ranti Abenemi, Imam Alfa, Idowu Ibekunle, among others, to the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Wada said his decision was motivated by Tinubu’s performance in infrastructure, economic reforms, and social investment. He cited the removal of fuel subsidy and stabilization of the currency as key achievements.

Other dignitaries at the grand reception included 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 Representatives Benjamin Kalu, and Alhaji Ali Dalori.