Kogi election: Setback for PDP as ex- dep. gov. Awoniyi joins APC
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Awoniyi said he was attracted to the APC following his admiration for Gov. Bello’s exemplary leadership, commitment to inclusivity, unity of purpose and governance.
By Thompson Yamput
The rank of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Kogi ahead of the state’s November governorship election was further depleted on Tuesday with the defection of another big wig of the party and former deputy governor Yomi Awoniyi to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former Deputy Governor was led to the National Secretariat of APC in Abuja where he formalised his defection to the APC by Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello.
In a statement issued in Lokoja on Tuesday by Bello’s Media Aide, Mr Onogwu Mohammed, Awoniyi was quoted as saying that he was attracted to the APC following his admiration for Gov. Bello’s exemplary leadership, commitment to inclusivity, unity of purpose and governance.
Awoniyi acknowledged the complexities and challenges of politics in the state and commended Bello for exceeding expectations.
He said: “I served as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State between 2011 and 2015. I know the state very well, and I can tell you that the current governor has done exceptionally well in terms of leadership and good governance.
“Bello’s humility is unmatched and his ability to unite the people is remarkable.
“These qualities are some of the reasons I decided to join the APC and offer my support to him and the incoming administration.”
Bello, while welcoming Awoniyi, whom he described as a “big fish”, said his decision to join the APC was significant.
“Today, Awoniyi’s move is a clear demonstration of the people’s satisfaction with my achievements and their willingness to support my leadership for the state’s success.
“I am pleased to welcome the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi, to our party today.
“Awoniyi is a prominent figure, who has just joined a significant movement. I am delighted with his decision to join our party, and I can assure you that the APC will do more for the people of our state,” the governor stated.
Also speaking, the APC National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Awoniyi’s decision to join the party.
Ganduje expressed gladness over the influx of defectors from opposition parties to the APC in Kogi.
“This progress happening under Yahaya Bello’s leadership is an evidence of the governor’s achievements and his ability to unite people for societal progress.
“I’m assuring you, Awoniyi and other new entrants as well as those planning to join the APC that they will be given equal opportunities within our party,” Ganduje assured.
Awoniyi had on Thursday, officially announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His defection was contained in a letter, entitled “Letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party”, made available to newsmen in Lokoja.
Awoniyi, who served as deputy to former Gov. Idris Wada had conveyed his resignation in a letter dated Aug. 31 and addressed to the PDP chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area of Kogi.
The letter partly read: “I hereby write to tender my letter of resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party after 25 unbroken years of loyal and dedicated membership and service.
“With this resignation letter, I cease to be a member of the PDP,” he declared.
Awoniyi contested for the Kogi PDP November 2023 governorship election ticket but lost to Dino Melaye.
He complained that the process was rigged in favour of Melaye.
(NAN)
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