BY MAYOWA SAMUEL
Thousands of defectors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party and other parties on Saturday formally pledged their allegiance to the ruling All Progressives Congress in Kwara State.
An elated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq declared that the development was a confirmation of the rising popularity and acceptance of the party in the state. He also adduced what he called the “people-focused programmes and policies of his administration” as the major reason for the acceptance.
“Evidently, President Muhammadu Buhari, Governors, lawmakers and all officials elected on the platform of APC are clearly living up to the dreams of the founding fathers of our country. The economy is growing stronger amid unprecedented infrastructural development while increasing attention is being paid to security of lives and properties,” the Governor observed, amid cheers from the defectors, top APC chieftains, and government functionaries who included Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Speaker Danladi Yakubu-Salihu, Secretary to the State Government Prof Mamman Saba Jubril.
Abdulrazaq said, “Back home in Kwara State, we have remained committed to good governance. We are indeed proud of the impacts that our investments in human capital and infrastructural development are having on the people. Our social security programmes targeting the poor and vulnerable are glaring. Security of lives and properties remains a top priority while we are putting Kwara on a sound footing to lead the North once again.
“We have also prioritised youths and women empowerment and inclusion, widening employment opportunities and paying attention to all that can guarantee brightest future for our younger generation.
“This mass defection to APC today under our leadership is a tonic for all of us in trusted positions to continue to give our best for the collective good of our people. I urge you all to work together as a team and members of the same APC family in Kwara State.”
The governor said the party was made stronger with its policies that guarantee equal opportunity for all members, old or new, adding that no fewer than 400,000 new APC members have so far been registered in the state.
Former presidential candidate of the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, Gani Galadima, who spoke on behalf of the defectors from the central senatorial district, said his defection was hinged on the deliberate efforts of the Governor to reposition Kwara through massive infrastructural renewal, his care for the people, and his hands-on approach to governance, culminating in visible impacts on the populace.
“We are joining the party because we are convinced with the response of the governor to the issue of leadership. For the first time in Kwara State, we have a 24hr governor who works day and night,” he said.
“We have also seen infrastructural development in roads, education and women empowerment as well as rural integration.”
Comrade Issa Aremu, former governorship candidate of Labour Party and Director-General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies, commended AbdulRazaq for his investment in education sector.
“I am pleased to identify with my governor for wonderful things he is doing in Kwara State. I am proud of your achievements. I went to my school, Ilorin Grammar School, and I saw wonderful job you have done there,” he added.
The chairman caretaker committee of the APC Abdullahi Samari said the party is pleased to receive people who cherished the developmental strides of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and joined the party from ward level across the state.
“When you go back to your respective communities, I urge you to work together. Accept all members. APC has no faction in Kwara. Elders and leaders of the party should go back home, embrace peace, and ensure that everyone works together for the success of the party across the state,” he added.
Speakers from the three senatorial districts took turns to highlight the various strides of the AbdulRazaq-led administration, commending him for his special attention to the poor and the vulnerable.
Defectors included all the immediate past council chairmen, including former ALGON chief Joshua Adekanye, Hon. Fatai Adeniyi Garba (Labaka), and Hon. Yinka Dallas, who hailed the Governor for his democratic dispositions and his commitment to developments with direct impacts on the people especially at the grassroots.
