A political support group, “Okun United 4 Ododo’’, on Sunday in Lokoja pledged to support the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Nov. 11 governorship election in Kogi.
Okun is a major ethnic group in Kogi and is home to Sen. Dino Melaye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) one of the major opponents of the APC candidate, Mr Ododo Usman at the election.
Mr Onogwu Mohammed, media aide to Gov. Yahaya Bello, stated that “Okun United 4 Ododo’’ gave the assurance of support to Melaye’s opponent at a solidarity visit it paid to the governor.
The group was led by retired Commodore Jerry Omodara, Security Adviser to the governor.
It described the APC as a formidable party that had brought significant development to Kogi.
“Since the launch of this group on June 8, it has actively canvassed support for Ododo Usman, engaging in consultations with traditional rulers, market women, and other crucial election stakeholders in Okun land.
“Our primary agenda is to unite all Okun sons and daughters with a common goal of delivering a bloc vote for the APC at the Nov. 11 election.
“This is because we acknowledged that you, Gov. Yahaya Bello, have fulfilled the long-standing aspirations of the Okun people with the establishment of Kogi State University (KSU) in Kabba.
“The KSU is our source of pride and well-celebrated within and beyond the country.
“This visit is a message that Okun community is aligning with Gov. Bello’s administration to ensure victory for Hon. Ododo, rather than supporting someone else,’’ Omodara reassured.
Responding, Gov. Bello expressed gratitude to the group for its support and dedicated efforts in canvassing and mobilizing voters to support the APC’s gubernatorial candidate at the election.
Bello emphasized the significance of the November election as he stated that it would go a long way in shaping the future of Kogi.
“Since you displayed support and loyalty, I implore you (the group) to campaign vigorously across Okun land to secure a resounding victory for APC on Nov 11.
“I really appreciate the unity and collective voice demonstrated by the people of Okun land at this moment of Kogi’s political history,’’ the governor said.
