By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
As 2023 general election approaches,more aspirants are signifying their intentions to contest for Lokoja / Kogi federal constituency.
On Thursday,a one time lawmaker and former Executive Chairman, Lokoja Local Goverment, Hon. Danladi Baba Budon made his intentions known at the PDP Lokoja Local Goverment Secretariat to contest for Lokoja/ Kogi Federal Constituency, under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Baba Budon while addressing Lokoja/Kogi local Government Areas, Stakeholders and Executives of PDP, explained that his bid to represent the people of Lokoja and Kogi federal constituency is devoid of rancour and acrimony, adding that what the party need now is to ensure that members and leaders speak in one voice to avoid unnecessary issues.
He reiterated that the Party its teaming supporters can only succeed when there are crises and rancour-free.
“I want us to be mindful of one thing, my aspiration is rancour-free, devoid of any ill-feeling, whatever is the outcome, I will take it in Good faith. If it is possible, I will admonish my co-contestants that we can only succeed in a crisis and rancour-free party. Nobody can succeed in a party bedevilled in crises. In that vein, my aspiration is devoid of all these issues.”
Baba Budon who goes down memory lane explained that there was an agreement between Lokoja and Kogi local Government on how the House of Representatives seat will be rotated.
According to him:”I wouldn’t want to go into details, but if you will permit me, there was an agreement between Lokoja and Kogi Local Goverment. I was a party to that agreement in 2007. However, I equally want us to bear in mind that Koton Karfe has had it three times.”
The first was between 1999 to 2003 by the late Barrister Adamu Osuku, the second was between 2003 to 2007, by Alhaji Musa Ahmadu and the third one is the current member whose tenure will end in 2023.”
“For us in Lokoja, we have also had it for three terms and without any sentiment our late brother Hon. Buba had it three consecutive times.”
While reminding the party faithful that slot should come to Lokoja, Hon. Bababudon pleaded that Lokoja 2 should be considered in 2023 for fairness, justice and equity.
He maintained further that all the three chances that came, only Lokoja 1 benefitted living out Lokoja2.
“In this vein, I want to plead with our brothers in Lokoja 1 that Lokoja 2 is part and parcel of the Local Government and should be kind enough to allow Lokoja 2 have the test of it,” he added.
He however said, power belongs to Almighty God and he gives it to whomever he wishes. He added that he believe that the leadership of the party will do the needful and ensure that there would most transparent and acceptable.
Both PDP party Chairmen of Lokoja and Kogi and other party executives received the former House of Assembly member who represented Lokoja 2 in the state House of Assembly.
