By Reporter
Hundreds of former supporters of the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) have defected into the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
The defectors were received by the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Yusuf.
Addressing the defectors, Yusuf noted that the decision of his friends, brothers and political associates to jettison their former parties and join him in the APC was one he remains grateful for and promised not to betray their trust.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the speaker, Yabagi Mohammed, the Speaker explained that it shows they are people that value relationship and are committed to the growth of Lokoja Local Government Area and Kogi State in general.
According to him, Alhaji Usman Ododo will emerge victorious in the election because the people of the state are solidly behind the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello and the developmental strides so far recorded since assumption of office.
The Speaker, who stated this in an address in Wards ‘C’ and ‘D’ of Lokoja Local Government Area during l a stakeholders engagement for party executives and officials to fine-tune ways of ensuring overwhelming victory for the ruling party.
He urged the people to continue to trust the leadership of the APC, stressing that their belief in the current crop of leaders should not wane, saying they are committed to making sure that the Local Government gets what is due to it under the administration of Alhaji Usman Ododo.
Leader of the defectors, Mallam Salisu Bature, said their decision to dump the party was to ensure they back the new leadership headed by the Speaker to ensure landslide victory for the APC in next month’s gubernatorial election in the state.
