Ahead of the November 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, more members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Senator Dino Melaye is the governorship candidate of the PDP for the November poll.
Among those who defected recently are the former Director of Media for the PDP in the State, Hon Onibiyo Dayo (Yagba East), Hon Folunsho Mamood (Lokoja), Hon Stephen Bankole (Yagba) and other party members.
Reports say the defectors met with Governor Yahaya Bello at his office, Lugard House, Lokoja, after dumping the PDP
During the meeting, Governor Bello expressed no surprise regarding their departure from a “struggling party” and emphasized the need to accommodate them into the APC.
He stated that the APC in Kogi State would continue to grow in numbers, highlighting the achievements of his administration and their commitment to providing good governance for the people of the State.
The governor extended a warm welcome to the former PDP members, stating that the doors of the APC are open for anyone willing to contribute to the State’s development.
Earlier, Hon Dayo praised the governor for his remarkable achievements across the State, particularly mentioning the construction of the Ganaja flyover and other infrastructure developments as evidence of good governance.
He shared his personal admiration for Governor Yahaya Bello’s unwavering dedication, patriotism, and selflessness in defending the state’s resources during a confrontation with a multi-billion Naira company in Kogi State in 2022
The group also commended the governor for his foresight, egalitarianism, fairness and justice in approving the establishment of a State-owned university in Okunland, Kogi West Senatorial District.
Hon Dayo emphasized the importance of leaders standing alone when necessary to do what is right, and he commended Governor Yahaya Bello for consistently demonstrating this trait.
The group of defectors pledged their support to Governor Bello’s administration, assuring him of their collective commitment to campaign for the APC candidate in the November gubernatorial election, Hon Ododo Ahmed Usman.