On behalf of Governor Yahaya Bello, the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, graciously welcomed Erico and decampees gathered from the SDP, LP, APGA, and other political parties at the Okpo Ceremonial Square in Olamaboro on Monday.
Governor Bello was ready to include them into the party hierarchy, according to Onoja, who added that the wave of defections to the APC in Olamaboro demonstrated the destruction of the opposition.
With his years of expertise, he described the former PDP governor candidate as a valued asset and guaranteed them of equal opportunity within the ruling party. He exhorted them to put forth tireless effort alongside other relevant parties to ensure the APC wins the upcoming elections and the governorship.
Even though he emphasized that politics is local, he also highlighted the long-standing significance of Olamaboro in Kogi politics, restating the region's consistent bloc vote delivery whenever a decision is made by "Olamaborarians," whom he characterized as "people who do not play double faced politics," dating back to the ANPP's founding before it changed its name to the APC.
Reminding Olamaboro Youths of the strength of her culture and principles, which place human life above all political concerns, Onoja issued a strong warning. She also counseled that elections in Olamaboro have always been won without the use of weapons against brothers.
He counseled party heavyweights to steer clear of politics based on backbiting, defamation, and division and to give priority to public participation over any plans that incite violence.
Alongside the Deputy Governor, prominent members of the Party were present to meet the defectors: Hon. Friday Adejoh, the LG Chairman of Olamaboro; Hon. Gabriel Olofu, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Hon. Ibrahim Abagwu, the LG Chairman of Ankpa; and Hon. Joshua Onoja, the State APC Secretary.