The immediate past secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, Alhaji Rasaq Lawal has formally defected to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Lawal had recently resigned as secretary and member of the opposition PDP for what he described as personal reasons.

The former PDP scribe was officially received into the APC fold by executives of the party led by the chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi at the party's secretariat in Ilorin, the state capital.

He was accompanied to the venue of the event by top politicians, including the APC chairman in Ilorin West local government, Alhaji Sulaiman Tejidini, Alhaji Rasaq Adio, Hon. Hassan Oyeleke, Barr. Bamidele Aluko, Alhaji Amosa Okolo and Alhaji Gani Galadima.

Lawal expressed delight that his defection to APC offered him another opportunity to contribute more to the development of the state and her people.

” Today's event- my official joining of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is informed by the twin- factor of passion for the emancipation of my people and the growth of our dear state.

“Everyone that knows and have worked closely with me since my sojourn into politics over four decades ago will attest to the fact that my main interest in politics is the development of our community.

“I, therefore, find it expedient to team up with the amiable, pragmatic and performing governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in our collective quest to make Kwara great once again.

“Governor AbdulRazaq's achievements in all sectors are physical on the ground for all to see; even the blind feels the impact of this people- focused governor. From educational development to road construction, establishment of industries, poverty alleviation programmes, youth and women empowerment/ inclusion in governance, the governor has proved beyond any reasonable doubt that his mission in politics is to make life abundance for all, irrespective of social status.

“This is the reason why I had to voluntarily vacated my enviable position of the state secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.

Not properly structured

“While I shared mutual respect with leaders and peers at my former party, I will not hesitate to mention here that the PDP is not properly structured to play the role of a serious opposition party. The role of a major opposition party is to help the incumbent administration achieve its developmental agenda for the people and not to be an obstruction to the realisation of such goals.

“In conclusion, I want to assure my governor and the leader of APC in Kwara State/ chairman of the Nigeria's Governor's Forum (NGF), the APC chairman and his team of my total commitment to the ideals of the party and indeed the progress of the APC- led government in the state,“Lawal explained.

The state APC chairman, Prince Sunday Fagbemi, who welcomed Lawal into the fold of the party noted that the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has ensured development across the length and breadth of the state in the last four years.

He described Lawal as a man of impeccable character, humility personified and an asset to the APC, explaining that: “Lawal's sterling leadership qualities were attested to by the APC members in his Badari ward of Ilorin West local government area.”

It would be recalled that last week Saturday, the decampee paid a courtesy visit the the state governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the Government House, Ilorin where he pledged his support and loyalty to him.