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,,,,,Cite Gov.Ododo,Engr.Gegu’s leadership style.
By Correspondent in Lokoja.
In a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi Local Government Area, Alhaji Abdullahi Zakeri, along with over 500 party members, has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Our correspondent reports that the mass defection took place at a well-attended ceremony held at the Central Primary School, Koton Karfe, where the former PDP members were formally received into the APC by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, and other prominent party leaders.
Speaking on the reason for the defection, Alhaji Zakeri said the decision was motivated by the “politics of development” championed by Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo and the grassroots-driven leadership of Engr. Bashiru Gegu.
He said, “Wherever Engr. Bashiru turns to in politics, that is where we shall go. His commitment to development, empowerment, and people-focused leadership is what we’ve never witnessed in the history of this area.”
Hon. Abu Sule, another prominent defector, added that the remarkable transformation across sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and security under Governor Ododo’s administration has convinced many to embrace the APC.
Receiving the new members, Engr. Bashiru Gegu declared that the defection signaled the end of the opposition PDP in Kogi LGA.
“Today, PDP has collapsed into the APC in Kogi LGA.The reasons are clear: prompt payment of salaries and pensions, road and school construction, youth and widow empowerment, agricultural support, and a secure environment,all courtesy of Governor Ododo’s leadership,”Gegu said.
He emphasized that the APC is now a united and formidable force, adding, “With the coalition of other political parties joining us, we are confident of a landslide victory in 2027. Kogi LGA is now APC territory, and the 2027 election is a walkover.”
In his remarks, Senator Ado Shaibu described the defection as “massive and timely,” while Barr. Tanko Mohammed, Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, said the move has sealed the fate of the opposition in the forthcoming elections.
Also speaking, Hon. Aliyu Idris Maikudi, Member representing Koton Karfe in the Kogi State House of Assembly, described Engr. Gegu as “a natural leader” whose influence is transforming the political landscape of Kogi LGA.
The Council Chairman of Kogi LGA, Comr. Abdullahi Adanu, alongside his Lokoja counterpart, praised Engr. Gegu for his developmental strides, saying the 2027 election is already “a done deal.”
The highlight of the ceremony was the symbolic presentation of brooms and APC flags to the defectors, signaling their formal entry into the party with party supporters in their hundreds cheering as each new member received their party insignia.
With this mass defection, political observers believe that the APC has tightened its grip on Kogi LGA, signaling a tough challenge for any opposition party in the area ahead of 2027.
The Reporters recalls that, about two weeks ago,two prominent members of PDP in the state; Sen. Tunde Ogbeha and Mr. Shettima,also left the party and joined ADC,citing leadership crisis bedevilling PDP.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
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