3,000 LP members defect to ACN in Owo

A former Labour Party (LP) House of Assembly aspirant in Owo Constituency 1, Kehinde Bello (aka H.K. Bello), has led over 3,000 members of the Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership (MGGEL) in the community to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Bello, who is the state coordinator of the group, said they defected to the ACN to support its governorship candidate, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), following his achievements during his reign as the President of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA).

He also led LP executives in Owo to the ACN fold.

They are former Ehinogbe Ward I Chairman, Mr. Bowale Obatooto (aka Omo-Emi), Idasen Ward Secretary, Mr. Adetoyese Adewunmi, Igboroko Ward Treasurer, Mrs. Enuogbope Oyekorode, Ijebu Ward Secretary, Ruth Ebemebo, leaders of LP Elders Council in Igboroko I and II, Mr. M.I. Balogun, Ex-officio, Uso/Emure Ward, Mr. Babatunde Olupitan, among others.

They were welcomed into ACN by the party’s governorship candidate, Mr. Akeredolu and Chairman, Mr. F.O. Osedimibola, at a rally in Owo Local Government.

Speaking at the event, Bello described LP as a one man business whose sole proprietorship lacks the ethics of leadership.

He added that it is a party where ignorance reigns supreme over experience.

Bello said LP was a party run by a clique of self-seekers, bourgeois and mudslinging leaders whose pedigree was to subvert the will of the people.

He said: “Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who is the sole proprietor of the LP, believes that the only way he can succeed in his criminal act is by giving power to thugs, mediocrity, naivety and those who cannot challenge his authority.

“For instance, in Owo, go and check the past records of the political appointees of Governor Mimiko, including those elected to represent the local government. You cannot see one without a criminal record. We are being ruled by thugs. Owo must be liberated. We believe the only party that can bring rapid development to the community is ACN.

“Ondo State cannot continue not to be in mainstream politics. We must join Southwest progressive states. The defection of our team from the LP to ACN brings an end to the reign of LP in our community.”

Receiving the defectors, Akeredolu eulogised the leader of the group for his political sagacity and praised his wise decision to join ACN at a time leadership change in the state is imminent.

He described Bello as a man of honour who was progressive minded. He said he is a political asset to the Owo community.

“You have taken a wise decision. I want to assure you that when I’m elected into office, your group will be recognised,” Akeredolu said.

The ACN standard bearer described the large turnout of members of the group as a great asset to ACN’s chances at the polls.

No fewer than 1,000 members of LP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to ACN at Ward nine and 10 in Isua-Akoko, as well as Ward I in Epinmi-Akoko, all in Akoko South East Local Government.

The PDP group was led by Mr. Awolowo, while the following people led various groups from LP: P.K.D. Omoogun, Mr. Agbaje Ehinola, Mr. Dahunsi and Mr. Apata.

The leaders are of the opinion that anybody still working for Mimiko for a second term is not only living in a fool’s paradise, he is an enemy of the generation unborn.

They said if Mimiko is given the second term mandate, the state will not recover from the wounds in the next 10 years, adding that generations unborn would not forgive those responsible for this.

They were received by Dr. K. B. Shaba, Hon. Oguntoyinbo and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Aderogboye.

Source: The Nation.