No fewer than 8,000 people from Bassa community in Kwara State have reportedly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The decampees pledged to vote massively for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and other candidates of the party in the coming elections.
Bassas in Kwara originated from states like Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and FCT, and are largely farmers, spreading across many communities in the state.
The decampees, led by their Oba and Aguma Abassa (I), Daniel Shado Zhokwo, were jointly received at the State APC Campaign office by the senior special assistant to the Governor for Non-indigenes, Hon Caleb Ono Bobi, and State APC deputy chairman Alhaji Abdullahi Samari, on behalf of the governor.
In his remarks, the Aguma Abassa, Oba Shado Zhokwo, said their visit was to formally defect from the PDP to APC and to declare their support for Governor AbdulRazaq and other candidates of the party.
“We, Bassa people are here to let you know that we are decamping from PDP to APC and to let you know that we are in full support of this government led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said.
He commended AbdulRazaq for giving non-indigenes their fair share of his leadership, declaring that the present administration has achieved greatly for the state in the last three and a half years.
He requested the government to further empower his people most especially farmers and traders; and to provide them employment among other demands.
Another speaker from Bassa, Samuel Weshiri Andrew, said their defection was not because of money but because they are convinced that the administration performed well and deserves another mandate to finish its good work.
“We have been residents in Kwara for years. We knew how we were maltreated by the previous administrations. We recall how they used to deceive us with their failed promises. They pledged to assist our people including farmers but all in vain, “ he said.
Samari, while responding, appreciated the Bassas for their courage and resolve to join the winning team, and pledged that the government and the party would not let them.
He urged them to keep their PVCs intact ahead of the polls saying that remains their weapon to achieve their dream.
“When you get home, kindly keep your PVCs. Don’t allow anyone to induce you with money or buy your conscience. We know you are men and women of integrity.
“For the record, I want to say that the Bassa people in Kwara are over 8,000 and the representatives here today are from about ten communities. We have over two hundred people representing that 8000,” he added.
Also, the senior special assistant to the governor for non-indigenes, Hon. Caleb Ono Bobi, said, the administration is reputed for creating a right environment for residents to thrive irrespective of their ethnic backgrounds, and assured the visitors that the government will continue to prioritize their basic needs.
We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →
Join Our WhatsApp Channel
