The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has charged the party leaders in Kogi to show character in Saturday’s election, saying “APC is a party to beat”.
This call was made by the party’s Deputy National Chairman (North), Honourable (Dr.) Ali Dalori at a briefing, which the NWC members had with the APC leaders in Lokoja
An eight-man NWC team arrived Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday to draw last-minute support for the party’s governorship candidate, Usman Ododo.
The NWC members, who included the National Secretary, Senator Bashiru Ajibola; Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Honourable Duro Meseko; National Auditor, Senator Abubakar Maikafi; National Vice Chairman (North West), Senator Datti Muazu; and National Vice Chairman (North Central), Alhaji Rijau Bawa Muaze; is led by Senator Ajibola and Honourable Dalori.
According to a statement in Lokoja by Dalori’s Special Adviser (Media and Strategy), Honourable. Yemi Akinbode, the Deputy National Chairman (North) implored party leaders, stakeholders and faithful to display the highest level of honesty and commitment during the poll.
He said: “We at the APC national party headquarters are aware of the magnitude of the task ahead of the party on Saturday. We know how decisive the electorate would be in this election because of the volatility and dramas that have trailed the campaign. We also know that the APC is the party to beat. This is very obvious with the atmosphere here in Kogi State. We feel the passion, energy and bias of the people.
“Yet we are emboldened by the pedigree of good governance, performance and outstanding leadership qualities of Governor Yahaya Bello in the last eight years. So all we need is for party stakeholders, leaders and faithful to remain resolute, steadfast and sincere on the election day. Yahaya Bello has performed creditably well as Governor. You all can see the transformation he has brought to Kogi State in the past eight years. So the transition should be smooth for Usman Ododo. I appeal to our esteemed party members, and the electorate to troupe out en mass to cast their votes for APC. This is the only way that Kogi State will remain a part of the ruling APC to enjoy the privileges and benefits of being a member of the national ruling party.
Early at the briefing, Hon. Meseko expressed optimism about the victory of the APC on Saturday.
He said: “My opinion about the Saturday election is that the APC will retain the governorship seat in Kogi. Though the opposition is roaring, threatening fire and brimstone, their threats will come to nothing at the end of the day. My appeal to the people of Kogi State, particularly the electorate, is that we should play by the rules, and ensure there is a peaceful conduct of the exercise on Saturday. I will also plead with the stakeholders to allow the winner that Kogi people want to emerge. I know that we in Kogi have a history of always being part of national politics, and I am sure we are not tired of remaining part of the ruling party so that we can continue to enjoy the gains and benefits that come with national politics”.
The APC state chairman, Honourable Abdullahi Bello, who represented Governor Bello at the briefing, expressed the deep gratitude of the Governor and the APC in the state to President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and the NWC for their unwavering support during the build-up to the election.
He assured the team that Governor Bello and the party leadership remained resolute and committed to the core interest of the APC in the State.
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