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Another Member dumps PDP for APC
From John Adams, Minna
Despite the security situation in Munya Local Government of Niger State, the Independent National Electoral Commission has announced its willingness to conduct a by-election into the vacant House of Assembly seat in the local government.
The seat became vacant following the death of the member representing the constituency, Mr Joseph Haruna Sduza, on Friday, September 13, 2024, after a brief illness.
This is just as the member representing Mokwa State Constituency, Hon. Ndagi Zakari Kinbokun, officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
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This move is a major boost to the APC’s strength in the state in the wake of the formation of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Yushau Garki, announced INEC’s decision on Tuesday, July 8, during a courtesy visit to the State Police Commissioner, Mr Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, saying that the by-election would be held on August 16.
Yushau Garki said he was there to inform the police commissioner of the plans and to seek the support of the force for the success of the election.
He submitted that it was important to inform the police of the plan because of the “volatile nature of the areas where the election will take place” and because “security has a big role to play in the conduct of a free and fair election.”
In his remarks, Commissioner of Police, Mr Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, expressed satisfaction with the cordial working relationship between both bodies and promised to improve on it, in order to foster renewed synergy and collaboration.
He assured the REC of the command’s support and assistance where necessary to ensure that the commission’s goals were achieved.
However, the defection of Hon. Ndagi Zakari Kinbokun was announced on Tuesday, July 8, during the plenary session of the state House of Assembly, with the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, reading out the letter of resignation signed by Hon. Zakari Kinbokun.
In the letter, Hon. Kinbokun stated that after thorough consultation with critical stakeholders from his constituency, he had come to the realisation that his values and vision for the development of Mokwa Constituency are better aligned with the APC. This decision is a testament to the APC’s commitment to good governance and development, which has resonated with Hon. Kinbokun and many others in the state.
He expressed happiness with what his new affiliation will bring and confidence that it will enable him to serve his constituents more effectively.
He commended the present administration under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago for the achievements recorded so far in the area of infrastructural development and the agricultural revolution programmes in the state, adding that “these initiatives have had a positive impact on the lives of many residents of the state.”
The lawmaker also expressed gratitude to the Speaker and members of the House for the support and collaboration they have enjoyed so far.
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