Over 5000 youths from various political groups in Kogi state on Saturday throng the major roads in Lokoja, the state capital in a solidarity walk to expressed their appreciation to Governor Yahaya Bello for chosen a vibrant and experience young man Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo as the candidate of the All Progressive Congress for the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.
The solidarity walk which was co-ordinated by Hon. Yakubu Adabenege and Barrister Zakari Abbas kick started by 10a.m at zone 8 roundabout in Lokoja and lasted for over six hours due to the multitudes of APC members and supporters who on their volition entered the rain to walk from the starting point to the popular paparanda roundabout where the exercise terminated.
The event which snowballed into a rally was aimed at drumming up support for the candidacy of Hon. Ahmed Usman Ododo and to also thank His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello for considering a youth for the position.
Speaking at Paparanda square Hon. Adabenege stated that youth and women organizations in Kogi state have unanimously endorsed the candidacy of Usman Ahmed Ododo as the next governor of the state.
He said the group will continue to canvass for the realization of his governorship bid, noting that majority of Kogi people are solidly behind him.
He however appealed to the electorate to go out and collect their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) noting that whoever love Ododo should strive and vote for him on the day of election.
In her remarks, a women leader, Hon. Habibat Tijjani expressed satisfaction with the turnout which she described as mammoth and unprecedented in the history of Kogi state.
“I thank God that Kogi people have again spoken by coming out in their large numbers despite the rain fall to show solidarity for Ododo the former Auditor-General of local government.
“I don’t know how to describe the crowd today but I must thank Almighty God for the overwhelming support for the incoming Governor because it is also a support for the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello” she stated.
Also speaking at the occasion, a youth leader in Ward ‘A’ Lokoja, Hon. James Paul expressed his conviction on the possibility of Ododo becoming a good governor, saying “He (Ododo) will consolidate on the legacies laid down by Governor Yahaya Bello. I want to also tell you that Ododo, I know him very well, I know his pedigree, and our people in kogi State know that this man will be one of the best governors in Nigeria.
“You can verify from the streets of Lokoja the state capital , Ododo is the most popular candidate in the state. There is nowhere you mention his name that people will not say ‘that good man.’ It’s not for me to start telling you what he has done for the people but if you go down to the grassroots, and ask, the down trodden will tell you the dividend of democracy he has delivered.
“So, if you give him the leadership of the state, he is going to build on the existing infrastructural development that the present administration has put in place. And I am optimistic that he is going to do better as a governor” he stated.
