Opposition parties in Kogi State have been dealt another major blow in Olamaboro LGA of the State following the formal defection of a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Joseph Ameh Erico, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Erico, alongside defectors harvested from the SDP, LP, APGA, and other political parties, was received by the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, on behalf of Governor Yahaya Bello at the Okpo Ceremonial Square in Olamaboro, on Monday.
Onoja said the gale of defections to the APC in Olamaboro LGA indicated the decimation of the opposition, adding that Governor Bello was poised to integrate them into the ruling party structure.
He assured them of equal opportunities in the ruling party, describing the former PDP gubernatorial aspirant as a valuable asset given his years of experience. He urged them to work assiduously with other stakeholders for the victory of the APC in the forthcoming governorship and future elections in the State.
While stressing that politics is local, he emphasised the longstanding relevance of Olamaboro in Kogi politics, reiterating the consistent delivery of bloc votes from the region whenever a decision is made by “Olamaborarians” whom he described as “people who do not play double faced politics”, from the inception of ANPP days before it metamorphosed into the APC.
Onoja warned sternly, reminding Olamaboro youths the potency of her culture and values which prioritises human life above all forms of political interests, counseling that elections have always been won in Olamaboro without the use of guns against brothers.
He advised party stalwarts to shun politics of division, backbiting, and slandering but rather prioritize engagement of the people instead of any schemes that promote violence.
In company of the Deputy Governor to receive the defectors were the Olamaboro LGA chairman, Hon. Friday Adejoh, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Gabriel Olofu; LG Ankpa LGA chairman, Hon. Ibrahim Abagwu; State APC secretary, Hon Joshua Onoja; among other party stalwarts.
