The people of Kogi East Senatorial District, who turned out in significant numbers in Anyigba on Saturday to demonstrate their unwavering support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Usman Ododo, have vowed to play a pivotal role in fostering unity and delivering an overwhelming victory for the APC in the forthcoming November 11 governorship election.
.
The Igala indigenes, including prominent stakeholders of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), who publicly defected to the ruling APC at the Kogi East Senatorial District Rally, were joined by other illustrious Igala sons and daughters.
This impressive crowd witnessed on Saturday was historic, marking a significant moment in the history of electioneering in Kogi East.
They pledged to offer their wholehearted support to the APC during the election, ensuring the continuation of the remarkable and non-tribalistic leadership style of Governor Yahaya Bello, which has promoted unity and genuine development across the state. They emphasized the absence of any ethnic agenda among patriotic citizens and focused on promoting the well-being of all.
.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director-General of the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Momoh Rabiu Alfa, expressed his profound faith in the determination of the people of Kogi East. He underscored their commitment to conducting extensive campaigns to secure an emphatic victory for Ododo Ahmed Usman on November 11. He also highlighted the strength and unity of the party’s structure in the region.
“The individuals gathered here today are devoted members of our party, tasked with carrying our message to every corner, rallying support, and actively working to ensure victory for our party’s candidate on November 11. It’s essential to remember our past: under the APC, you voted overwhelmingly for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and he has risen to become our President. You elected Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, and secured the election of three Federal House of Representatives members and ten out of eleven House of Assembly members.
.
Would we now abandon the house we’ve built for another occupant? Our party’s structure in the East is robust, and we stand united behind the ‘One Kogi’ agenda, aiming to build upon the existing peace, infrastructure, and human capital development in our great state,” he declared.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Kogi APC Governorship Campaign Council and Minister of Steel Development, Shaibu Abubakar Audu, made it clear that the only agenda for the APC is the Kogi Agenda. He emphasized that Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has a comprehensive vision for the development of the entire state. Alhaji Ododo intends to build upon and consolidate the laudable legacies of Governor Yahaya Bello.
“The only agenda for the APC is the Kogi Agenda. The Party has the interest of the whole state. Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has a vision for the development of the entire state. He will build and consolidate on the legacies of Gov Yahaya Bello. We’re proud to say that Kogi is now the most secure state in North Central Nigeria.
The APC will provide numerous job opportunities for our vibrant youths through an agricultural revolution. The APC is working to expand its capacity to produce a variety of agricultural products, particularly in Kogi East. I urge you to support the APC and Alhaji Ododo.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who appointed me as Minister of Steel Development, is deeply interested in the vision and success of Kogi State through the development of Ajaokuta Steel. This endeavor will provide substantial job opportunities for our state’s youth.
.
The President has emphasized that we must not hand over the State to a government of hustlers or to an opposition government.
The President is concerned about the State and has expressed that we cannot afford to hand over a strategic State to the opposition,” he stated.
Abdullahi Bello, the Chairman of APC in Kogi State, expressed his satisfaction with the massive turnout and the enthusiasm displayed by the people of Kogi East. He encouraged them to maintain their momentum to ensure a landslide victory in the governorship election.
Additionally, Senator Jibrin Echocho, the lawmaker representing Kogi East in the National Assembly, called on those from Kogi East who have not yet joined the APC to embrace the party. He emphasized that elections are won based on party structures.
“Let me appeal to our people to be passionate about the APC. Our candidate is highly marketable. Elections are won based on party structures. The people of Kogi East voted for the APC in the general election, and we cannot afford to do otherwise in the forthcoming election. Governor Bello has laid a solid foundation in infrastructure and human capital development across the state.
His accomplishments have played a significant role in the election. Let’s all join hands to ensure a collective victory for the APC,” Echocho said.
Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, advised the people of Kogi East to vote based on the principles of continuity, cautioning against sentiments. He reminded them that elections are about political parties, not about tribe, religion, or region.
Governor Yahaya Bello, in his speech, emphasized the importance of setting aside ethnic considerations and focusing on unity and development, rather than ethnic politics, which he referred to as a selfish interest. He asserted that the Igala agenda is rooted in job creation, development, and prosperity.
The Governor praised the achievements of his administration, particularly in terms of promoting fairness, equity, and justice, replacing mediocrity and ethnicity.
“We’ve been able to unite the state, overcoming the divisions along ethnic and other fault lines that existed before my tenure. Today, issues of ethnicity have been resolved. Fairness, equity, and justice have replaced mediocrity and ethnicity.
We’ve empowered youths and women throughout the state, completing numerous projects, distributing infrastructure and empowerment programs across the state. We’ve achieved so much, and we cannot afford to return to our dark days,” the Governor said.
.
In his address to the remarkable crowd, Ododo, the APC Governorship Candidate, emphasized that his aspirations are grounded in the people, progress, and unity of the state.
“Let me appeal to the people of Kogi East. Let’s build a united and stronger Kogi State of which we can all be proud. Let this election be about our people, development, unity, and prosperity. I am committed to serving as a leader without barriers.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
October 21, 2023
.
.
