The former PDP members pledged their votes for the party in the forthcoming elections.
The Bassas who engaged in agriculture and other businesses in Kwara were indigenes of Kogi, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The former PDP members, who were led by their traditional head, Aguma Abassa (I), Shado Zhokwo, were jointly received at the State APC Campaign office by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor for Non-indigenes, Caleb Ono Bobi, and State APC Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Abdullahi Samari, on behalf of the governor.
Speaking at the occasion, the Zhokwo said their visit was to formally join APC and to declare their support for the governor and other candidates of the party, a government house statement has said.
“We, Bassa people are here to let you know that we are decamping from PDP to APC and to let you know that we are in full support of this government led by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq,” he said.
The monarch commended AbdulRazaq for giving non-indigenes their fair share of his leadership, declaring that the present administration has recorded significant strides.
He requested the government to further empower his people, most especially farmers and traders, and to provide them employment opportunities.
Weshiri Andrew, another speaker from Bassa, said they join the ruling party because they are convinced that the administration performed well and deserve another mandate to finish its good work.
“We have been residents in Kwara for years. We knew how we were maltreated by the previous administrations. We recall how they used to deceive us with their failed promises. They pledged to assist our people including farmers but all in vain,” he said.
Samari, while responding, appreciated the Bassas for their courage and resolve to join the winning team, and pledged that the government and the party would not let them and other residents of Kwara down.
“We want to appreciate the Bassa community for recognizing the good work of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and for resolving through your traditional leader to join the train to deliver for the party. I can assure you that you will all benefit from your labor. We have a Governor that takes care of all those that identify with him including non-kwaran,” he said.
He urged them to keep their PVCs intact ahead of the polls saying that remains their weapon to achieve their dream.
“When you get home, kindly keep your PVCs. Don’t allow anyone to induce you with money or buy your conscience. We know you are men and women of integrity,” he added.
“For a record, I want to say that the Bassa people in kwara are over 8,000 and the representatives here today are from about ten communities. We have over two hundred people representing that 8000”.
