The Labour Party in Kogi State suffered a major setback on Friday as all its 21 local government chairmen defected to the All Progressives Congress.

The defectors, who were led by Awe Kayode, the leader of the “Obidient Movement” in Kogi, said they decided to collapse their structure into the APC in order to support the party’s governorship candidate, Usman Ododo.

Kayode also said that their defection became imperative when they realised that the LP was no longer viable in the state.

“Another reason for our defection is our conviction that the APC candidate, Usman Ododo, has shown that he is a unifier whose nationalist qualities are needed to consolidate on the achievements of Gov. Yahaya Bello,” 

“I was in APC before I left to join the Labour Party. I am back today with more people and we are ready to add value. LP got more than 76,000 votes in the last presidential election; we still have the same people that worked to achieve that feat.

“The state belongs to all of us and we have decided to jettison ethnic or religious agenda to support the candidate of APC who promotes the Kogi Agenda.

“Indeed Labour Party structure in the state was a formidable one that delivered massive votes to the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, without inducement or support, but we want to do same to APC and Ododo this time around,” he said.

The state APC chairman, Abdullahi Bello, welcomed the defectors to the party and assured them of equal treatment with other members.

“APC is a party that believes in development, equality and has good reward system,” he said.

Your decision to join the APC shows that you appreciated the developmental efforts of Gov Yahaya Bello and his unwavering commitment to the unity, security and wellbeing of the people of Kogi State.

“Aside from the character and leadership qualities of Usman Ododo, who is a critical member of the New Direction Administration, our governor has further equipped him with the needed knowledge and experience to lead the state and consolidate on his achievements.”

Bello also urged members of the APC to disregard noise makers in opposition parties and go all out to ensure massive victory for the APC candidate in the forthcoming governorship election.