Emmanuel OchayiThe Labour Party chairmen from 21 local government areas of Kogi State on Friday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside their supporters.
The defectors were received by the APC Chairman in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello, at the historic Lugard House in Lokoja.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Mr Awe Kayode, the leader of the group, announced their decision to merge their political structure with the APC. Their primary objective is to extend their full support to the APC’s governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, in the upcoming November 11 governorship election in the state.
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Mr Kayode emphasized that their move was prompted by their realization that the Labour Party was no longer a viable political option in Kogi State. He stated, “Another reason for our defection is our conviction that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, has shown that he is a unifier whose nationalist qualities are needed to consolidate on the achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello.”
He further explained, “I was in APC before I left to join the Labour Party. I am back today with more people and we are ready to add value. LP got more than 76,000 votes in the last presidential election; we still have the same people who worked to achieve that feat.”
“The state belongs to all of us, and we have decided to jettison ethnic or religious agendas to support the candidate of APC who promotes the Kogi Agenda.”
Jimba Emmanuel, the LP Chairman for Bassa LGA, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that a political party is merely a platform for power. He stressed the importance of individual dedication to development and delivering the benefits of democracy to the people. According to him, the LP’s governorship candidate lacked the necessary qualities, prompting their decision to abandon “the sinking ship.”
Wemi Jones, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, praised the leader of the “Obidient Movement” in Kogi, Awe Kayode, for his unwavering determination and mobilization skills. Jones affirmed that the sizable crowd at the forum was a testament to the authenticity of their decision to align with the progressive ideals of the APC.
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