The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has refuted media reports suggesting that over 100 party members from Igalamela-Odolu local government area of Kogi State have defected to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
In a statement released by the PDP Chairman in Igalamela-Odolu Local Government, Attai Ndanusa Salifu, it was clarified that the reception of purported members by Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello at the Government House was orchestrated and staged. Salifu emphasized that no members of the party from his local government had shifted allegiance to the APC.
He urged the public to disregard such reports, attributing them to the actions of mischief-makers who were apprehensive about the growing popularity of the PDP leading up to the November Governorship election in Kogi State.
Salifu explained that the Chairmen of PDP Ajaka ward 1 and Ward 2, Anthony Abu and Achema Amodu respectively, had already received an apology from a party member named Ndah Salifu. Ndah Salifu admitted to being deceived by certain desperate politicians loyal to the APC, who invited them to Government House under the guise of an official PDP meeting in Lokoja.
He further revealed that during the gathering, the APC politicians presented them to Governor Bello, falsely claiming that they were PDP members who had defected from Igalamela-Odolu Local Government to the APC. This unexpected turn of events left the PDP members feeling betrayed and shocked.
Salifu emphasized that the PDP remained united and formidable in Igalamela-Odolu local government, reiterating their unwavering support for the candidacy of Senator Dino Melaye and his running mate, Hajia Habiba Deen, in the quest to assume office at Lugard House on November 11th, 2023.
He expressed confidence that the PDP would secure a resounding victory in the local government, aiming to rescue Kogi State from the alleged mismanagement under the ruling APC administration.
