Asake says LP will set Nigeria on path of progress

Picks ex-lawmaker as running mate

The immediate past President of Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), Jonathan Asake, has said that Labour Party (LP) will pull the country out of its present woes and uphold its unity to bring about progress and development.

Asake was speaking, yesterday, after he emerged as Kaduna State LP governorship candidate for the 2023 general election.

Through voice vote, delegates from the 23 local councils of the state affirmed his candidature. Security agents and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the process.

Asake immediately unveiled former Majority Leader of Kaduna State House of Assembly from Igabi Local Council, Bashir Aya, as his running mate.

Before withdrawing from the race, Adinga said LP has the support of the people with a reward system, which must be nurtured to maturity.

“My dream is to govern Kaduna State because I know it is achievable. But for the interest of the party, Kaduna and Nigeria, I wish to say that I will not allow my personal interest to supersede that of the party. I hereby withdraw from the race and give my total support to Asake,” he said.

Asake, who was also a House of Representatives member, local council chairman and aide to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, said he was not unaware of the numerous challenges bedeviling the state, but assured that if elected governor, together with public-spirited individuals elected and to be appointed, he would ensure inclusive governance.

His words: “If I get elected as governor, I will run a government devoid of sentiments on the basis of religion, tribe or ethnicity, but an inclusive government with justice, fairness to all and sundry with the support of all.”

At the substitution primary, the Kaduna LP Chairman, Dahiru Bako, said: “Kaduna will now experience genuine changes. LP has become the bride of all and there is no other party so accepted.

“Labour is not about religion, but a movement that has all and sundry on board. So, let us support our elected candidates until success is achieved.”

In attendance at the primary include the Southern Kaduna Senatorial candidate of LP, Michael Auta, who expressed confidence in the ability of the guber candidate and his running mate.