A chieftain of the All progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Mallam Yakubu Gobir has officially dumped the party and joined the Young Progressives Congress (YPP) and made known his intention to run for the gubernatorial seat in what he described as the beginning of a new chapter in Kwara’s history.
Gobir made this declaration amidst the state chairman of the party, leaders, state executives and party stalwarts, at the party secretariat in Ilorin, the state capital, today Wednesday ahead of the party’s primaries on June 4, 2022.
In his declaration speech, the Madawaki of Ilorin, stated emphatically that his candidature will bring many good tidings to bear adding that he will deploy his resources, through his foundation, to build a platform for young men and women to express themselves.
According to him, “After deep reflection, prayers and consultation, I have decided to offer myself in service of the good people of Kwara by vying for the Office of Governor of Kwara State on this great platform of young progressives.
“It is a need to be on the right side of history that explains my decision to leave the All Progressives Congress, and to deploy all my resources and God-given talent to build a platform for young men and women to express themselves, vote and be voted for, and more importantly to take charge of their destiny. That platform is the Young Progressives Party – YPP.
“Therefore, it was very crucial to identify with a platform which is obsessed with youthful representation a platform which gives an alternative perspective on politics, which young people can aspire to,” he said.
While reflecting on the state of the nation, Mallam Gobir describes the country’s democracy as one that is being swayed by moneybags in an illegitimate process noting that YPP will continue to propel in the right direction.
“As most of you are aware, I was a key player in the 2019 elections that ushered in the current APC government, at both state and federal levels. Yet, I must confess, I have become disillusioned with Nigeria’s leadership selection process. Our ‘democracy’ is an expensive and inefficient exercise which has been hijacked by moneybags in an illegitimate process that cannot produce a legitimate outcome.
“For too long, our beloved state, like most of Nigeria has wallowed in abject penury and insecurity, whilst a very few corner the commonwealth and hold the rest hostage. From 100 million-naira nomination forms to delegates who pay allegiance to the fattest wads of hundred-dollar bundles, politics has become a criminal enterprise, where only the most corrupt thrive. This is all part of a grand design to scheme out the most upright, and most competent from participating in the governance of this country, thereby perpetuating a kleptocracy”
He further charged party stakeholders to remain committed and not be intimidated by other parties but rather focus on the collective ideals of what the party stands to achieve.
