On Thursday, the Social Democratic Party’s zonal chairmen in the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, together with the party’s chairmen in the 21 local government areas of the state, formally defected to the APC.
The top SDP officials said they examined their alternatives and decided to put the ongoing improvement of the state and the wellbeing of native peoples above other concerns before publicly announcing their decision to join the ruling party at the Government House in Lokoja.
Suleiman Isah, the SDP’s Zonal Chairman for Kogi East, criticized what he called the party’s ethnicity-based campaign, saying it was harmful to the state’s sociocultural well-being and might jeopardize the calm that has prevailed for a number of years.
“We are pleased that this is taking place today. We were aware of your contributions to the state’s welfare even when we were in the opposition. Nobody can dispute the infrastructural initiatives, Your Excellency. To aid in the state’s further development, we have all agreed to join the APC. And we will provide all necessary assistance to guarantee the APC candidate’s win in the governorship race, added Isah.
He praised Governor Yahaya Bello for his outstanding achievements over the last seven years in the fields of agriculture, education, health, and road infrastructure, among others.
Through the APC candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman, the zonal chairman, who is now known as a former SDP chieftain, gave the governor assurances about the commitment of all SDP chairmen to the Kogi Agenda.
Zubairu Ibrahim, the acting chairman of the SDP for the Kogi Central Senatorial District, praised the governor for the state’s infrastructural development and in particular for his substantial efforts to ensure the security of people and property.E
He emphasized that well-intentioned Kogites would not sacrifice it on the altar of politics and claimed that the security and peace experienced by the people of Kogi State now is better than what existed in the past.
While welcoming the defectors, Governor Yahaya Bello praised them for taking this “courageous step” and their willingness to help the state prosper.
He reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to upholding an inclusive administration that provides equal opportunity to both seasoned and novice APC members.
Given his administration’s notable accomplishments in Kogi State, which had gained the APC extensive support, Governor Bello emphasized the significance of their decision to switch from the SDP to the APC at this particular time.
Governor Bello emphasized the critical importance of promoting harmony among the state’s several ethnic populations.
He emphasized the value of cooperative, issue-based campaigns and said that winning any election will depend on having a large following.
In the sake of everyone, he urged the populace to reject polarizing strategies.
