KOGI ELECTION: Twist As Running Mate Dumps Gov Candidate, Party, Declares Support For APC After They Lost

Engr. Oladeji Bamidele, the deputy governorship candidate of the African Action Alliance (AAC), has distanced himself from his party’s decision to contest the results of the recent Kogi State governorship election.

The election produced Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner. During a press conference in Lokoja on Thursday, Engr. Oladeji Bamidele expressed his readiness to collaborate and align with the Governor-Elect, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, contrary to his party’s stance.

He congratulated Alhaji Ododo, commending his intellect and dedication to Kogi State’s progress. Oladeji highlighted Alhaji Ododo’s qualifications, including a PhD from the University of Lagos and past financial experience as the former financial secretary for the local government under Governor Yahaya Bello.

“These credentials are essential for steering Kogi State toward progress and development,” emphasized Oladeji.

In a call for post-election unity, he drew an analogy between politics and sports, stressing the importance of cooperation and healing despite the heated campaign.

“As we transition from a hard-fought campaign to the governance phase, I believe that healing must start immediately. Politics is like a football match: They shake hands before the match, ruffle each other up during the match, but after the match, they shake hands and exchange jerseys,” he said.

Oladeji urged stakeholders and citizens to rally behind Alhaji Ododo’s administration, transcending religious, tribal, and political boundaries for the state’s greater good.

He concluded by encouraging Alhaji Ododo to collaborate with individuals of goodwill, irrespective of their political backgrounds or voting affiliations.