Kogi Guber: Mass defection hits Labour Party, as all local govt. chairmen defect to APC »

The local government chairmen of the Labour Party (LP) in the 21 local government areas of Kogi State say they have collapsed their structure to work for Usman Ododo, governorship candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 11, 2023 election in the state.

The 21 Local Government Chairmen who were custodians of the structure of their former party met with the APC candidate, Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman and promised to merge their support base with the APC at their various LGAs in order to ensure overwhelming and unchallengeable victory for the broom party.

In his remarks, the leader of the delegation, Mr. Kayode Awe who was also the State Coordinator of the defunct Obident Movement, said the decision to collapse their structure into the APC is premised on the patriotic zeal to ensure true consolidation of the gains made by the New Direction administration of Governor Yahaya Bello in the last seven years.

Mr Awe further affirmed that with the political reality in the state, Alhaji Ododo is the only credible and unblemished candidate that is enjoying statewide acceptance, noting that other political parties have nothing to campaign against him except resorting to falsehood.

While speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Jimba Emmmanuel who was the Labour Party Chairman in Ibaji Local Government said they have resolved to make themselves available and be part of the impending victory of Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman who he described as a true leader with the real Kogi Agenda.

Reacting, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Usman Ododo commended what he called their courageous step, as well as their willingness to contribute to the advancement of the state.

Ododo who noted that Governor Yahaya Bello has laid a solid foundation and roadmap for the unity and overall development, emphasised the significance of fostering unity among the diverse ethnic communities within the state.

He underscored the importance of collaborative, issue-based campaigns and noted that success in any election would depend on broad support. He urged the people to reject divisive tactics in the interest of all, assuring to carry everyone along if elected.

Present at the meeting with Alhaji Ododo Ahmed Usman were Emmanuel Ikusemoro LP Chairman Kabba/Bunu, Mr. Ayipada LP chairman Ijumu, Mr. Samuel Josuha LP Chairman Mopa Muro and Ake Makanjuola LP Chairman Yagba/ East.

Others were Bello Seun Chairman LP Yagba/ West, Comr Jimba Emmanuel Bassa LP Chairman, Mr Dauda Suleiman Ahmed Ankapa LP Chairman, Mr Attah Friday Ofu LP Chairman, Mr Muhammad Bello Idaho LP Chairman, Mr Ojoma Peter Ogah Ibaji LP Chairman, Alhaji Musa Igalamela LP Chairman and Mr Adejoh Fidelity Olamaboro LP Chairman.