From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin
The former gubernatorial candidate of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN),Mohammed Dele Belgore, has described series of attacks against him by All Progressives Congress (APC),Kwara State chapter, over his defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as confirmation of his popularity in the state.
Belgore, a former Chieftain of APC before the entrant of Bukola Saraki and his supporters, defected to PDP at his GRA campaign office last week.
A statement issued by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaiye, he said “our attention is drawn to the vigour with which Kwara APC has sought to discredit our decision to seek political accommodation in the Peoples Democratic Party and the intimidation and threats to our supporters following that decision”.
“Since our defection last Wednesday, more than four different reactions have been issued all from the staple of Kwara APC, albeit in different guises. The truth is that we are enjoying the gale of reactions from different quarters in the state APC”, he added.
He expressed joy over the criticism, saying they are telling the world how devastating his defection will be to their continued hold on Kwara politics, adding “These mob reactions give the lie to claims that we are politically irrelevant and that our defection is “good riddance.”
“Why is it a celebration of democracy when PDP politicians move to APC and it is an act of condemnation when APC politicians move over to the other side? The beauty of all of this is that the people of Kwara and the viewing public are no fools.
“We have made a decision that suits our conviction. We are consistent in our belief that no positive change is possible when the very people who messed up our state are now at the commanding height of Kwara APC. It is our constitutional right to decide to what political platform we wish to belong”, he added.
