ABOUT 3,250 members of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Obi Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State have reportedly defected to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Governorship candidate of the party,Hon. Labaran Maku received the defectors in Obi LGA. on Thursday during his campaign visit.

Speaking at the event, leaders of the defectors,Ubul Ukor and Elias Manassehcited the failure of their former parties to address the security challenges in the state as the reason for their decision.

The duo added that most of them are peasant farmers, but could no longer go to their farms due to insecurity.

They said that apart from the insecurity problem, the present government of APC has not constructed roads and other social amenities in rural communities where they belong.

“Throughout our trying moments of insecurity and other problems confronting the state, Maku is the only person bold enough to speak in the defence of the masses.

“All other politicians and stakeholders of the state had abundant us and only resurface now because they need our votes to win the election.

“We would stand with Maku no matter the blackmail or lies they spread against him because we know he is the only candidate the would ensure we go back to our farms and transform the state,” they added.

Responding, Maku expressed gratitude to the defectors for believing in him and his party.

Maku said that he has dedicated the rest part of his life to speak and fight for the cause of the common man.

He promised that, if elected as the next governor of the state, he would restore security, develop the state, promote unity and generate employment.

“Under my leadership, any person or group instigating crisis and disunity would have the government to contain with irrespective of his or their status,” he said.

He also alleged that other parties are currently purchasing voter cards with the view to rig the forthcoming election.

He, therefore, called on the general public to resist any attempt to rig the election by ensuring that they vote and wait until the results are counted and announced.

•Sourced from a Tribune report