By joshua Ex-Kogi Speaker Kolawole Reaffirms Loyalty to APC, Bello, Gov. Ododo
… Debunk Defection Rumour
Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, has dismissed reports of his alleged plan to dump the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing himself as a “bonafide and committed member” of the party. He said he owes his political growth to APC and has no reason to betray the leaders who stood by him.
Prince Kolawole specifically reaffirmed his loyalty to former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and incumbent Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He recalled that during his contest for the House of Representatives seat, it was Bello who directed him to withdraw his case in court. He added that in the recent House of Representatives primaries, the former governor again asked him to allow Architect Salman to re-contest for a second term, and he obeyed the directive without hesitation.
The ex-Speaker attributed the defection rumors to “mischief makers and enemies of the party” who, he said, were bent on causing division within APC. According to him, those spreading the story are not interested in the unity and progress of the party but in creating unnecessary tension.
To lay the speculation to rest, Kolawole announced plans to organize a programme in Kabba in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid. He said the event would serve as a clear message that his commitment to APC is “back and front,” and that he remains firmly with the party at both state and national levels.
He congratulated President Tinubu on his victory at the just concluded presidential primaries and commended Governor Ododo for leading APC to an outstanding performance in Kogi State during the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries. He described the results as proof that the party remains strong and united in the state.
Speaking on security, Kolawole said government alone cannot tackle criminality. He called on citizens to provide credible information to security agencies and urged traditional rulers to be cautious in allocating land to strangers, especially those without verifiable identities. He also expressed sympathy with victims of kidnapping in Kogi West and prayed for their quick release and healing.
The former lawmaker expressed confidence that President Tinubu would be re-elected for a second term in 2027. He argued that no governor would allow the opposition to win his state, stressing that APC governors across the country are working to consolidate the party’s hold ahead of the next general election.
With the statement, Prince Kolawole has put to rest weeks of speculation about his political future, insisting that his loyalty remains with APC, its leaders, and the people of Kogi State.