06/05/2026
His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially welcomed former Kogi East Senator, Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane, into the All Progressives Congress (APC) family.
SPEECH DELIVERED BY SENATOR NICHOLAS YAHAYA UGBANE DURING HIS OFFICIAL DECAMPMENT FROM THE PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP) TO THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS (APC) ON 6TH MAY, 2026 IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, LOKOJA, KOGI STATE.
1. Your Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the cool level-headed, pragmatic Executive Governor of Kogi State.
2. My son, the dynamic and result-oriented Auditor-General of Kogi State, Alhaji Y.Y. Okala
3. The State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC).
4. The Zonal Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) Kogi East, Alhaji Ogwu Alhassan.
5. The Executive Council of Kogi State.
6. Distinguished Leaders of our great party, the APC.
7. Honorable Members of the National and State Assemblies here present.
8. Esteemed Elders and Stakeholders.
9. Gentlemen of the Press.
10. Ladies and Gentlemen.
Today, I stand before you at a defining moment in my political career after deep reflection, wide consultations with my constituents, political associates, and family, and assessment of the state of our nation, have resolved to formally decamp from the Peoples Democratic Party and pitch my tent with the All Progressives Congress.
This decision was not taken lightly. It is the product of conscience, conviction, and commitment to the future of our people.
One may ask, why am I joining the APC? The answer is simple, I am just returning home.
In alignment of vision and national interest, Nigeria today demands unity of purpose beyond partisan divides. The renewed Hope Agenda of the APC-led Federal Government represents the most coherent, bold and practical roadmap for tackling our economic, security, and infrastructural challenges. From the removal of unsustainable subsidies to the unification of foreign exchange, these are tough but necessary reforms that previous administrations lacked the political will to implement. I chose to be part of the solution, not a spectator.
As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I prioritize the imperative of development for my Constituents. My first loyalty is to the people who gave me their mandate. The interests of Kogi East Senatorial District and Kogi State can no longer be served by opposition for its own sake. To attract Federal presence, unlock critical projects, and ensure our voices shape national policy, we must be at the table where decisions are made. The APC today offers that platform. My people deserve roads, hospitals, jobs, and security, and I intend to fight for them from within the governing party.
A critical look at internal democracy and party cohesion over the past years, the PDP at various levels has struggled with internal contradictions, endless litigations, and a departure from the founding ideals that once made it Africa’s largest political party. A political platform must be a vehicle for service, not a theater of endless conflict. The APC, despite its own challenges, has demonstrated greater capacity for reconciliation, reward for loyalty, and respect for internal democratic processes. I seek a political home where ideas thrive and contributions are valued.
I solemnly advocate for progressive and peaceful governance. Our democracy matures when leaders rise above party lines. The APC has shown a clear commitment to strengthening institutions, devolving power to states, and combating insecurity head-on. As someone who has served in the APC in the past, I understand its values, vision, and long-term objectives. By joining the APC, I am aligning legislative experience with executive energy to deliver faster results for Kogi State and Nigeria.
To my supporters, former party members and thousands who walked this journey with me in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), I say thank you. I do not take this step out of disrespect, but out of responsibility. Politics is about the people, and when the vehicle you are in can no longer take the people to their destination, a statesman must have the courage to change. I call on you to join me. This is not a departure from our ideals but a strategic repositioning for greater equity, and service; it is a relocation to a platform where those ideals can be better realized.
To my APC family, I come to you not as a stranger, but as a fellow nation-builder. I bring my experience, my network, and my unwavering commitment to the growth of this party in Kogi State and Nigeria. Together, we will deepen our presence in every ward, win more hearts, and deliver on the promise of a greater Kogi State and Nigeria.
ALHAJI BOLA AHMED TINUBU MUST WIN THE PRESIDENCY AND ALHAJI AHMED USMAN ODODO MUST WIN THE GOVERNORSHIP.
Finally, I have history record that when Nigeria needs all hands on deck, we choose country over convenience. Let it be said that we moved not for personal gain, but for the collective good.
With humility and determination, I hereby declare my formal and total membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
So help me God.
Long live the All Progressives Congress (APC)!
Long live Kogi State
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!
Thank you all and God bless.
