IDRIS AHMED, LOKOJA
As 2023 general election draws nearer, political alignment and re alignment have commenced in Kogi state.
Over 2000 supporters of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Adankolo, ward A of Lokoja local government area were received as defectors by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership on Monday.
The ceremony to receive those who decamped was well attended by both the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, from the largest electoral ward A of Lokoja local government area.
According to the defectors, the massive infrastructural development seen all over the state including Adankolo has endeared them to the government of Yahaya Bello and the APC.
Dignitaries at the occasion include the Kogi state Commissioner of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Chairman Lokoja local government Council, Hon.Muhammad Dan Asabe Muhammad, APC local government and Ward Chairmen, Women and Youths Leaders, top government officials among many other personalities.
Prominent among the defectors is a renown political activist, Mallam Muhammed Ibrahim Aro, who was the coordinator of the incumbent Member House of Representatives, Hon. Shaba Ibrahim (PDP, Lokoja/Kogi).
Welcoming the defectors to the fold of the All Progressives Congress on behalf of the state State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Commissioner of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engineer Bashir Abubakar Gegu, congratulated them over their freedom from slavery and forced labour for the comfort of PDP leaders.
He said the new comers have taken the wisest political decision to dump the Peoples Democratic Party, describing the leadership of the opposition PDP. as oppressors.
” It is only APC that you can rialise your opportunities, while in the PDP you have to belong to certain families before you are allowed to contest election.” the Commissioner told the new members of the APC.
He admonished them to remain loyal and committed to the party as they have equal opportunities with every member of the party both new and old.
Engineer Gegu noted that Adankolo has never had it so good since the return to democracy, pointing out that the PDP rule for 16 years only brought miseries to the people, but with coming of Yahaya Bello the narrative changed.
He explained that the best model Science Secondary School in the North Central region of Nigeria is in Adankolo, township road network is also found in Adankolo as well collaboration with the people to provide security for area that was hitherto crime prone.
In his remarks, while handing over the new members of the All Progressives Congress to the Chairman of the Lokoja local government Council, Alhaji Muhammad Bature, the APC Chairman of the LGA, assured them that they not regret their decision to join APC.
On his part, Lokoja local government Council Chairman Hon Muhammed Dan Asabe Muhammad commended the Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over the numerous achievements recorded, urging the defectors to feel free to visit offices to be aquatinted with APC activities.
