2023: Yahaya Bello’s Ex Deputy, Simon Achuba, Yahaya Karaku, Other APC Stalwarts Defect To PDP In Kogi
Some stalwarts of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) including the state governor’s former deputy Simon Achuba have reportedly defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State.
reports that other notable names who defected with governor Yahaya Bello’s former deputy were the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Alfa Imam, and former Chairman of Okene LGA, Yahaya Karaku.
It was learned that the PDP claimed that along with these APC loyalists, about 148,000 APC and other party members joined the PDP in Kogi during the party’s presidential campaign rally that was held in Lokoja on Saturday.
This platform gathered that the defectors said the APC administration in the state has made life worse off in terms of living conditions and dividends of democracy.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, the former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Achuba, submitted that their decision to return to PDP was occasioned by the failed promises made by the APC to Nigerians in 2015 and 2019.
The former APC chieftain bemoaned the state of the country, saying it is worse off than where the APC took over administration.
The PDP National Chairman, Dr. Iyoucha Ayu, who received the defectors appealed to them to work collectively towards the party’s victory at the polls next month.
Ayu also described the worse state of the economy, insecurity, and poverty as unprecedented.
also understands that the PDP flag bearer, Atiku Abubakar at the campaign on Saturday pledged to fix the Ajaokuta Steel company.
The ‘night mare’ of Ajaokuta Steel company according to him would be history if he is elected to office as president at next month’s polls.
Atiku said if he is elected as president at the forthcoming general election, the back and forth over the steel company would not only be a thing of the past but the operation would commence immediately.
According to him, in addition to that his administration would fix all federal roads leading to Kogi State if a mandate is given to him.
The PDP flag bearer made the pledges to the people of Kogi State while he was addressing electorates in Lokoja, the state’s capital on Saturday.
He added that among other things “If elected, I will support the States to pay salaries. I will set aside 10 billion dollars for job creation, and tackle incessant strikes in the nation’s Universities.”
Atiku, who was happy about the turnout of people to receive him said “This mammoth crowd is an indication of a people yearning for change – a positive change that will improve their quality and standard of living.”
