Former Governor Yahaya Bello, on Monday, tasked Kogi All Progressives Congress lawmaker-elect Hassan Shado with fostering synergy among party members for development purposes.

The former Kogi governor gave the advice while receiving members of the APC who came to present Shado to him at his residence in Abuja.

Mr Bello, in a statement, said that true political success was not just about winning elections, but also about leveraging collective strength to achieve greater bargaining power and lasting development.

“No candidate can win an election without the backing of loyal party members and grassroots supporters working tirelessly, from nomination to the general election. Therefore, I urge you to ensure inclusivity, broad consultation, and collective leadership.

“You have been declared winner of this election. But remember, it was not by your effort alone. Your people stood firmly behind you; they worked for your success. Do not let them down in any way,” stated the ex-governor.

The former governor called on the people of Kogi East to embrace unity and solidarity as a pathway to progress and sustainable development. He thanked and congratulated them on the Saturday by-election victory.

“You have shown the spirit of togetherness and unity, which I believe was lacking in the past. The resounding victory at the polls is not just for Hon. Hassan Shado, but for all of you who stood united behind him,” Mr Bello further said.

Reaffirming APC’s strength and wide national acceptability, he asserted that the party remained the dominant force in Nigerian politics. He expressed confidence that the APC would retain all key positions in the next general elections, including the presidency, governorship, and legislative seats.

“I want to assure you that our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected. Our Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, will be re-elected. And all our candidates will continue to win on the platform of our great party.

Earlier in his remarks, the leader of the delegation and the Kogi auditor-general, Yusuf Okala, told Mr Bello that Shado was a product of collective efforts in the August 16 by-election in Dekina-Okura II state constituency.

“We are in your country home to formally introduce the member-elect to you as our leader in the state,” he said.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had declared Mr Shado of the APC the winner of the Okura II state constituency election.

Mr Shando polled 55,073 votes against his closest rival, Godwin Meliga of the opposition PDP, who polled 1,038 votes.

(NAN)