A coalition of Senatorial candidates from kogi west have decided to harmonize their strength, support base and followers both for the gubernatorial and senatorial rerun election holding November 16 in the state.
The Coalition which comprised of about 15 candidates made this known on Monday as it was led by former Kogi West Senatorial candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Comrade Bode Adeyemi to meet with the State’s deputy governor, Honourable Edward Onoja.
Comrade Bode noted that they all taught the Kogi West Senatorial seat was sealed with the February general election but as God would have it, the court demanded for a rerun.
He pointed out that they have all decided to defer their ambitions until 2023 and align with the All Progressive Congress’ candidates at the Gubernatorial and Senatorial polls.
The former aspirant noted that their decisions to support Governor Bello was premised on his good antecedents in the state and also because they were of the opinion that Kogi West deserved quality representation.
The candidates were represented at the event by Olabode Adeyemi of African Democratic Congress, Princess Roseline Ibitoye of Accord Party, Chief Samuel Atteh of PPA, Olasunkanmi Aina Olayinka of CAP and Noah John Abiodun of PPN.
Speaking on behalf of the candidates, Adeyemi Olabode John said they have weighed the factors that will inform voting on the 16th of November, the intricacies, previous political realities, ethnic considerations and other Germaine issues and took a decision they consider will be best for the state.
“As important stakeholders to the November 16th Gubernatorial election and Senatorial election, we have reviewed the obvious realities, appraised the political journey of the past and have resolved collectively, to defer our ambitions till future election year and support the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the November 16th Gubernatorial and Senatorial election.
“By this decision we have instructed our agents in all the polling units, canvassers and coordinators across board to campaign, work, mobilize and vote for all the APC Candidates for the November 16th election.”
In his remarks, the state’s Deputy Governor, Honourable Edward Onoja thanked the Coalition for declaring support for the APC noting that it was never in his character to commonize individuals or groups.
He mentioned that the All progressive congress has so much positive indices going into the election than it did in the general election which were all pointers to the party’s victory at both elections.
Honourable Edward advised that the people of Kogi west region should desist from adding sentiments to politics noting that for the good of Kogi west, the people should vote for Senator Smart Adeyemi at the rerun poll.
He added that the people of the region should use the opportunity they were being offered to prove that they could be represented with a more suitable, qualified and best hand.
The deputy Governor charge the Coalition not to be distracted by propaganda as what was expected with the support of their structures for the APC was massive votes from the region.
Kogi State Speaker, Rt Hon Mathew Kolawole while making his remarks, assured the Coalition members that they were joining a political family where they would benefit as the leaders of the party were men of their word.
He pointed out that the region had suffered serious setbacks due to bad representation at the red chamber and had with his antecedents denied the people of certain democratic dividends making reference to the Ayetoro Gbede – Egbe – Ilorin road project by the Federal Government.
The Speaker asserted that Kogi West needed a quality representation that would facilitate dividends to the people and not put self interest above the overall interest of the people.
He however charged the leaders of the Coalition to bring their members and supporters at all levels on board so as to create a more formidable and stronger front going into the election.
