Muhammed Sanni Gambo, newly elected chairman, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Kogi State, has said that Kogi PDP has bounced back, promising that under his leadership, with full force, PDP would restore the lost glory of the state. Speaking during a press briefing at their headquarters in Lokoja, Gambo recalled the good old days of the PDP, saying everybody was happy and life was good.
“To the people of Kogi State, PDP has heard your cries. We have come to salvage the situation. Towards meeting with the yearning and aspirations of our people, we have accepted the call for restoration. To this end, our Party has put in place the blueprint for the rapid socio-economic development of Kogi State,” he said.
“Our challenges as a party are over. Our current story as a party is a story of no stopping us. We are now repositioned to take over Aso Rock and Lugard House respectively. Nothing, I repeat, nothing is stopping us. “The State Working Committee and State Executive Committee meeting of our party held today, and has produced the following as key resolutions: “The nation, and Kogi State in particular, is at a crossroads. Sleeping with “two eyes closed” has become a major challenge. As a party, we call on all levels of government to intensify protection of lives and property.
“The Kogi PDP stands ready to collaborate on concrete suggestions to secure our people. While we commend the State Government’s efforts, we stress that more must be done—especially in Kogi West and other affected areas. “A secured state is a prerequisite for any political or developmental progress. We will present actionable ideas so that citizens can live, work, and travel without fear. “There must be a secured nation and state before political party. Consequently, we are ready to collaborate with the Government to avail some strategies that will lead to the fight against insecurity in our state”.
On participation in the upcoming local government elections, Gambo said, “Our party will contest the forthcoming local government elections because the majority of our people reside in rural areas. “This is to ensure a fair contest. Majority of our citizens live at the grassroots. For them to get the true benefit of democracy, is the reason why the PDP will be contesting. We therefore urge the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to extend the timetable for candidate submissions. The current abrupt closure of forms is unacceptable and appears designed to exclude the PDP. An extension is necessary, and we are confident that the PDP will win decisively. Let me place on record that during the PDP administration, our local Government witnessed robust administration, with the people as the greatest beneficiaries. We want to reenact that same feat and present credible candidates”.
On reconciliation and unity committees, he said, “We have resolved to establish reconciliation and other committees to address grievances and bring all members together. In the coming days, these committees will reach out to every stakeholder to foster unity and inclusivity”.
On returning the party to the owners, he said, “Our party belongs to the people. —women, youth, and all segments of society. As state chairman, I reaffirm the Federal High Court’s landmark judgment of 10 November, which validated my election as the duly elected Chairman. I thank God for this justice. I commend the Judiciary, that a man without godfather and money influence will get Justice. I therefore call on all members to support the forward march of our party, pending any higher authority that may alter this mandate which I doubt”.
He equally called on those who left their fold to come back or remain on the fence, saying, “we invite you back. Do not abandon the house you helped build. Return and participate in the decision ‑making process. Our priority is the development of the PDP, Kogi State, and Nigeria —not personal vendettas”.
Gambo equally disclosed that a new era has emerged, saying, “We are entering a new era; the storm is over. It is time to lay the past to rest and work together toward a brighter future. I urge all leaders, stakeholders, and members to support the rebuilding process. Let us set aside personal interests and unite for the common good. Together, we can reclaim Aso Rock and Lugard House in 2027”.
