Hon. Ezekiel Gode was a chieftain of the PDP in Kaduna South LGA – a one-time House of Assembly aspirant and the vice chairmanship candidate of the PDP in the 2024 local government election. He recently decamped to the ruling APC and spoke to kadunanews24.com on why he joined the ruling party. Excerpts:
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KN24: Today you decamped from the PDP to the APC. What is the motivating factor?
Hon. Ezekiel: It was a very painful decision because I’ve always operated on principles. But when you look back at why you’re in politics and the party you are in lack stability, you make haste while the sun shines.
KN24: Will the APC give you what the PDP couldn’t give?
Hon. Ezekiel: We’re in politics because we want development for our people, empowerment especially for the people. And if you believe in a cause, and you see where you can achieve it, why not join it?
KN24: So, is there hope for your people in the APC?
Hon. Ezekiel: After a very long deliberation and discussion, I have been assured that God’s willing, our people in Television Ward, Makera Constituency in Kaduna South local government would enjoy development and empowerment programmes equal to others. After all, the basis of joining politics is to fight for your constituency in terms of development.
KN24: You’ve been courted many times in the past but you declined. Why now?
Hon. Ezekiel: When the slogan “Change Dole” was used, I felt it was a wrong philosophy to apply in politics. But today you can hear a new slogan which says: APC aiki (APC work), which means the party is ready to work for development. And if that would be achieved, why not join them. The essence of politics is to work and bring infrastructure to communities.
KN24: How would you compare the administration of Uba Sani to that of Nasir El-rufai?
Hon. Ezekiel: During the El-rufai regime, I was invited to join the APC but I objected because of the regime’s style. A change that’s forced on you is not a sincere change. So I stayed in the opposition during the period. But now I can say I have seen sincere and meaningful change in our locality. What my people have been yearning for is possible now.
I believe in the leadership I am seeing now. I believe in Governor Uba Sani, I believe in the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Yusuf Liman, I believe in the LGA chairman, his vice, speaker, and party leaders. I trust them based on their promises to my Constituency and Ward.
KN24: As the vice chairmanship candidate of the PDP in Kaduna South LGA in the 2024 local government election, are you decamping with all your followers?
Hon. Ezekiel: Thank you for this question. In all honesty, I was asked the same question during the ceremony. When I was in the PDP, the APC was weak in my Ward. They did not have strength. They didn’t have an inroad into the Ward. The people trust me to lead and will move with me. Thousands of party faithful that were unwilling to follow APC at that time are now moving with me to the APC. I believe you saw the crowd and the celebration.
KN24: Are you impressed with the primary health centres, roads and other projects proposed for the Ward?
Hon. Ezekiel: If the proposed PHC and roads projects are implemented, the acceptance of the party would be far greater than anyone would imagine. The essence of politicking and governance is to bring government closer to the people. Once the electorate is able to feel and see what the government is doing, that would build their confidence to support the party.
KN24: Thank you for your time.
Hon. Ezekiel: It’s my pleasure.
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