Ahead of the Kogi State governorship election, members of Social Democratic Party in Bassa Local Government Area have recently collapsed their structures into the Action Alliance.
The SDP collapsed the structures of six out of its 10 wards in Bassa LGA into AA during a campaign rally held in the area recently, according to Tribune.
The six wards’ former Chairmen of SDP namely: Jimba Tukura, Jere Joseph, Luke Jere, Samuel Kpanachi, Wodi Lazarus, John Nyizogembi of Ozugbe, Akuba 2, Ozungulo, Akuba 1, Ikende and Akanana Ayede wards respectively took turns to explain reasons for their actions.
They claimed that AA stands to give hope to impoverished people of Basa and Kogi as a whole looking at the party’s manifestos and the integrity of the Governorship Candidate, Chief Olayinka Braimoh.
Speaking during the event, the chairman of Ozugbe ward, Jimba Tukura, explained that “our primary reason centered on the wealth creation and distribution agenda of Olayinka Braimoh which has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the inherent benefit is capable of lifting their living standard and restore hope to residents of Kogi.
He said, “It’s a fact that hunger knows no tribe, religion or party, but since the Action Alliance party’s agenda will address the nagging issue of poverty and hunger in the state, we are ready to ensure Braimoh’s victory at the Nov. 11 poll through our massive votes.”
The defectors, however, appealed to AA candidate to do something about their Seria bridge, which is made of wood and happens to be the only route to their market.
They stated that in the history of the town, no governorship candidate has ever crossed over the wooden bridge to campaign. According to them, Braimoh did not only cross over the bridge but took time to walk round the market in solidarity with the plights of their people.
Receiving the defectors in their numbers, the Action Alliance candidate, Otunba Olayinka Braimoh, warmly welcomed them into the party.
Braimoh, who declared equal opportunity to the defectors as members of the party, expressed concern and worry over the state of things in the community.
He said, “Basa people are working so hard, yet there are no visible significant infrastructures like good and accessible roads for you to take your farm produce to the market.
“Traversing and transporting your farm produce through a wooden bridge is extremely dangerous, risky and counterproductive.
“This is part of what the STAT agenda of our AA has come to address once elected into office come Nov 11.
“I believe that the only way to ensure implementation of the agenda is for Basa people to come out en-masse on Nov 11 to vote for me, Olayinka Braimoh of the Action Alliance party.
“Today, I am happy that the structures of SDP are being collapsed with AA for us to make a statement on Nov 11 polls.”
The AA candidate explained that their defection “shows that Basa people aren’t just talking about moving from poverty to prosperity but, against all odds, but took the right action that will eventually translate to victory for our party on Nov 11.”
Braimoh assured that through the STAT agenda, he would bring the much desired growth and development of Kogi.
