It was a jamboree galore on Sunday in Lokoja ,as no fewer than 6,000 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lokoja Local government on Sunday defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The defectors were received into the APC at an elaborate ceremony at the Lokoja Local APC secretariat.
The defectors,cut across the five wards of Lokoja Local Goverment, with kakanda ward with over 2,000 defectors.
former members of PDP were led into their new party by Hon. Umar Aliyu,a.k.a Assignment,who, untill his defection was a chieftain of PDP in Lokoja 2, constituency.
They were received by the Executive Chairman of Lokoja Local Goverment area,Hon. Danasabe Muhammed Danasabe,the Local Goverment APC Chairman,Hon Maikudi Bature, with some other party leaders ,which includes; member representing Lokoja 2 constituency,Hon. Idris Ndako,his counterpart from Lokoja 1constituency,Hon. Isah Umar,APC Lokoja Local Goverment stakeholders chairman, Hon Sulaiman Aguye,Hon Sulaiman Babadoko and a host of others.
Speaking at the occasion, Danasabe said the party was excited to receive the new members into the fold of the party.
He said the decision of the former PDP members to join the party reflected the growing confidence in the party.
He commended the new members for their decision to join what he called the progressive train, assuring them that the party would do its best to give them a sense of belonging.
“We are happy that you have made the decision to join the progressive train today and we assure you that we will do our best to make you feel at home.
“Even as you are just joining us, we have accepted you as part and parcel of the APC and we will not discriminate against you.
“I assure you, you will not regret joining the APC. We shall work together like brothers and sisters to ensure that APC is greater than what it is in the Lokoja Local Goverment area and the state at large,” he said.
The council boss implored the new members to show commitment and give their best in order to ensure victory for the party in 2023 general elections.
Hon Maikudi Bature, in his own remarks also advised them to fell at home as the party under his leadership wouldn’t descriminat
Speaking with THEANALYSTNG,Hon. Umar Aliyu Said he and other members were delighted to leave their former party to join “the progressive party’
He said the decision of the group to leave the PDP was because of the strides of Gov. Yahaya Bello in Kogi state.
Aliyu further said they were also motivated by the charismatic leadership of the leader of the party, and member representing Lokoja 2 constituency,Hon. Idris Ndako and Hon. Sulaiman Aguye and the achievements of the APC at both state and national level.
“We are pledging our full allegiance to the party because we have realised this is the party to be.
“We are so happy to be here and we will do our best to take the party to the next level, ” he said.
In an interview with Newsmen,the member representing Lokoja 2 constituency, Hon. Idris Ndako, who was overwhelmed with the high numbers of defectors from Lokoja 2 constituency,commended Governor Yahaya Bello,who he described as great achiever” today our party is growing from strength to strength due to the achievements recorded by APC in the state led by Governor Yahaya Bello”
He called on the new members to join hand with the leadership of the party in delivery the dividends of democracy.
Highlights of the events includes the Inauguration of Executive Officers of APC in 10 wards.
Photos of the events.
