Preparations for the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State has gathered momentum in the fold of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it received more members from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kabba/Bunu local government area.
Most of the defectors were former executive members and other key stakeholders of the opposition party.
The PDP members who officially decamped to the APC were received into the APC by Governor Yahaya Bello at the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Office.
In his welcome address, Governor Bello said the APC provides equal opportunities for both old and new members.
While welcoming them, he called on those still in opposition to join the winning team and contribute their quota to his administration’s efforts at enhancing the socio-economic well-being of the people of Kogi State.
The governor also announced that the state university in Okunland, initiated under his administration, would enroll its first students before the end of his tenure.
Governor Bello urged the people not only to unite for political participation but also to foster stronger bonds that could attract socio-economic development to the state, noting that a politically united Kogi State has a lot to benefit under the current administrations, both at the federal and state levels.
On behalf of the defectors, a former member of the state House of Assembly and immediate past treasurer of the PDP in Kabba/Bunu local government area, Hon Alfred Bello, said the governor’s exceptional infrastructure development and exemplary leadership, characterised by inclusiveness, fairness, justice and equity were the reasons for their defection to the APC.
Hon Bello commended the governor for establishing a state-owned university in Okunland, stressing that access to tertiary education had been lacking for the Okun people in Kogi State under previous administrations.
He viewed the establishment of the university as a clear testament to Governor Bello’s belief in a united Kogi State, demonstrating his commitment to equity, justice, and fairness.
The former PDP chieftain assured the governor that he and his fellow members, including other Okun individuals, would work towards the success of the APC in the gubernatorial election in the state.
According to Hon Bello, Hon Obamoh, Dr Enimola Dare, Hon Olori Janet Ikusemo, Hon Joseph Ayeribe, Hon Aiyepeku Paul, Hon Joseph Olorunfemi, and others were past executive members of the PDP in Kabba/Bunu local government area of the state who have abandoned their party and decided to join the APC.
