Kolawole Denies Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty To APC, Bello, Ododo

Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, has dismissed rumours suggesting he is planning to defect or is disloyal to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as well as to former Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Kolawole insisted that he remains a committed and bona fide member of the APC, stressing that his political loyalty to the party and its leadership remains firm and unshaken.

He said he is grateful to the party for the opportunities it has given him over the years, adding that he has no reason to turn against leaders who have supported his political journey.

The former Speaker recalled that during his bid for a House of Representatives seat, former Governor Yahaya Bello reportedly directed him to withdraw a court case related to the contest, a directive he said he obeyed without hesitation in the interest of party unity.

He further disclosed that ahead of the recent House of Representatives primaries, Bello also advised him to allow Architect Salman Idris to seek re-election for a second term, a request he said he complied with in the spirit of loyalty and discipline within the party.

Kolawole attributed the rumours of defection and disloyalty to what he described as the handiwork of mischief makers and political detractors seeking to create division within the APC in Kogi State.

To further demonstrate his commitment to the party, he announced plans to organise a political programme in Kabba in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

He said the event would serve as a clear signal of his continued loyalty to the APC and its leadership at both state and national levels.

Kolawole also congratulated President Tinubu on his performance at the party’s presidential primaries, while commending Governor Ododo for what he described as the APC’s strong showing in the senatorial and House of Representatives primaries in Kogi State.

On security, the former lawmaker said government alone cannot effectively tackle crime, urging citizens to support security agencies with credible intelligence.

He also called on traditional rulers to be cautious in allocating land to strangers, especially individuals whose identities are not properly verified.

Kolawole expressed sympathy for victims of kidnapping and insecurity in Kogi West, expressing hope that ongoing security efforts would restore peace to affected communities.

He expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term, arguing that governors across the country would work to ensure victory for the APC in their respective states.