2023 Gov'ship: Kogi APC unveils Comr. Joel Salifu as Ododo’s Running Mate »

At an event held in the glass house, Kogi State government house, the Kogi state All Progressives Congress, has unveiled Comrade Salifu Joel as the deputy governorship candidate of the party, giving him a clean bill of health to run with Hon Usman Ododo, the Kogi State certified APC gubernatorial candidate for the 2023 election.

Speaking at the unveiling, Gov Yahaya Bello expressed gratitude to the people of Kogi state, stakeholders, party faithful, and supporters of the GYB-led administration in the state for remaining relentless in their support for his administration. He charged kogites to continue in their canvass and support for the APC particularly Hon Usman Ododo the governorship flag bearer of the party.

Speaking further, Gov Bello described Hon Usman Ododo as an active team player, and an upwardly-mobile personality who has contributed immensely to human capital development particularly while serving as the auditor general for local government in the state in the past seven years, and added that his emergence as the flag bearer and Hon Salifu Joel a teacher and public servant as his running mate will be of immense benefit to the People of Kogi State.

He however used the opportunity to warn against crimes, election violence, and all forms of criminality while calling for an issue-based electioneering process.

In his words, “We Would leave no stone unturned in ensuring victory for the APC come 11 November.”

“The aggrieved are welcomed to join the party and to support candidates but if they choose not to join, they should not foment trouble.

“All Supporters should refrain from speeches or actions that would cause crises, as criminals would be fished out and dealt with decisively.”

“Nobody should give the electioneering process a religious or ethnic coloration; campaigns should be issue-based.”

“Our Government will not tolerate ethnic or religious vices- do your campaigns and let it be an Issue based campaign void of violence.”

“We will work with our security agencies and give them what they need so we can put the necessary security in place. I’m notifying them (political gladiators ) now that we’re ready to confront them to make sure they don’t take the peace we’re enjoying as a state from our people,” he stated.

In his acceptance speech, Hon Salifu Joel expressed gratitude to Governor Yahaya Bello for finding him worthy to be a running mate to Hon Usman Ododo in the fast-approaching elections and therefore assured teachers and kogites of his unflinching commitment to work with Hon Usman Ododo in complementing on the legacies of the New Direction government.

In his words “ I feel humbled to be granted this opportunity to be the running mate for Hon Usman Ododo. Truly, this privilege is truly divine.” He stated.

Also Speaking at the unveiling, the State Chairman of the APC, Hon Abdullahi Bello congratulated Gov Bello on his conferment as the Commander of the Niger(CON) stressing that his conferment was long overdue and well deserving. He also thanked Kogites, and party stalwarts for their solidarity and unflinching support for the APC and urged them to remain steadfast and unanimously vote for the APC in the November 11th elections in the state.

Speaking earlier, Comrade Audu Annaba the National Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) who spoke on behalf of teachers, thanked Gov, Yahaya Bello for choosing a teacher as a running mate and therefore assured the governor of their support in ensuring victory. He also stated further, that as a body, they are optimistic that this move will one day produce a governor in the state just like the governor of Kebbi state and also prayed for success during the course of the elections.