Kogiflame
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has called on the people of Kogi East to embrace unity and solidarity as a pathway to progress and sustainable development.
He made this call on Monday while receiving members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who came to present the State Assembly member-elect, Hon. Hassan Shado, at his residence.
Congratulating the newly elected legislator, Bello noted that true political success was not just about winning elections, but also about leveraging collective strength for greater bargaining power and lasting development.
“I want to thank you and congratulate you for this wonderful outing. You have shown the spirit of togetherness and unity, which I believe was lacking in the past. This resounding victory at the polls is not just for Hon. Hassan Shado, but for all of you who stood united behind him,” he said.
Advising the member-elect, Bello reminded him that no candidate could win an election without the backing of loyal party members and grassroots supporters who worked tirelessly, from nomination to the general election.
He urged him to ensure inclusivity, broad consultation, and collective leadership.
“You have been declared winner of this election. But remember, it was not by your effort alone. Your people stood firmly behind you; they worked for your success. Do not let them down in any way,” he admonished.
In a reflective moment, Bello recounted his days at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he first encountered the State Auditor-General, Hon. Yusuf Okala.
He praised Okala’s integrity, steadfastness, and commitment to the people.
“Okala may say he is not a politician, and indeed he is different. He does not tell lies or make empty promises as many politicians are known for. He is a man who stands by the truth, and this is the kind of leadership our people need,” Bello remarked.
Reaffirming APC’s strength and wide national acceptability, Bello assured the gathering that the party remained the dominant force in Nigerian politics.
He expressed the confidence that the APC would retain all key positions in the next general elections, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative seats.
“I want to assure you that our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be re-elected. Our Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will be re-elected. And all our candidates will continue to win under the platform of our great party.
“The unity and togetherness you demonstrated in this bye-election should serve as the foundation for future elections. When you deliver this kind of overwhelming support, you gain the power to negotiate and demand the dividends of democracy. Stay united, work together, and be part of the success story,” he urged.
He further called on the people of Kogi East, and indeed the entire state, to rally round and support the Deputy Governor, Comrade Salihu Joel Oyibo, as a symbol of continuity and inclusiveness in governance.
Earlier, while presenting the member-elect to the former governor, the State Auditor-General, Hon. Yusuf Okala, commended the people for their unprecedented show of unity and political understanding, which led to the massive victory recorded at the polls.
According to him, Hon. Shado is a product of this collective effort.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Hon. Hassan Shado of the APC winner of the Okura State Constituency election, with 55,073 votes against his closest rival, Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who polled 1,038 votes.
