A former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Arc Yomi Awoniyi, on Tuesday formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Awoniyi defection to APC was coming barely one week after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was Deputy Governor of Kogi State from 2011 to 2015 when Captain Idris Wada was the governor.
His father, late Chief S.B. Awoniyi was a founding and well respected member of PDP until his death.
Awoniyi was on Tuesday at the national headquarters of the APC in Abuja where formally declared his intention to join the ruling party.
He was received into the party by the national Chairman of APC, Professor Abdullahi Ganduje and governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.
Speaking on his defection to the APC, Awoniyi spoke glowingly about Bello, saying that he was encouraged by the governor’s good and outstanding achievements to join the APC.
“I served as the Deputy Governor of Kogi State between 2011 and 2015.
“I know the state very well, and I can tell you that the current governor has done exceptionally well in terms of leadership and good governance.
“His humility is unmatched, and his ability to unite the people is remarkable.
“These qualities are some of the reasons I decided to join the APC and offer my support to him and the incoming administration,” he said.
The former PDP chieftain acknowledged the complexities and challenges of Kogi State politics and commended Bello for exceeding expectations.
Awoniyi, also expressed his admiration for Bello’s exemplary leadership quality which he said included commitment to inclusivity, unity of purpose, and governance.
Awoniyi’s defection is coming ahead of the November 11, 2023 governorship election in the state.
While welcoming Awoniyi into APC, Bello described him as a “big fish”, saying his decision to join the APC was significant.
He stressed that Awoniyi’s move was a clear demonstration of the people’s satisfaction with his achievements and their willingness to support his leadership for the state’s success.
“I am pleased to welcome the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Arc Abayomi Awoniyi, into our party today.
“Awoniyi is a prominent figure who has just joined a significant movement.
“I am delighted with his decision to join our party, and I can assure you that the APC will do more for the people of our state,” the governor stated.
The National Chairman of the party, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, commended Awoniyi’s decision to join the APC.
He said the influx of defections from opposition parties to the APC in Kogi State, under Governor Yahaya Bello’s leadership, were clear testimony to the governor’s achievements and his ability to unite people for societal progress.
Ganduje assured Awoniyi and others who had joined or plan to join the APC that they would be given equal opportunities within the party. (vitalnewsngr.com)
