It was a day of joy, celebration and renewed hope in Lokoja, as the winner of the recent judgment delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja on who won the senatorial ticket of Kogi West, Chief Samuel Bamidele Aro, met with his supporters and assured them of attracting meaningful development to the constituency.
The event, which took place on Friday at the Children Amusement Park, Lokoja, attracted a mammoth crowd of party members, supporters, youth groups, women leaders and well-wishers from across the seven local government areas of Kogi West.
Hon. Aro arrived at the venue in company of top party leaders and government officials, including the State Security Adviser and leader of the party in Kogi West, Chief Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), the Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Engr. Bashir Abubakar Gegu, Hon. Phillip Orebiyi, the Council Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Abdulrahman Hussaini, popularly known ad Gentle, Party Leader of APC in Lokoja, Umar Imam, and other dignitaries.
The crowd erupted in jubilation as he stepped out, chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags.
Addressing the crowd, Hon. Sam Aro promised an inclusive leadership, assuring that he will carry along everyone, irrespective of political differences.
According to him, the victory is not for him alone, but for the entire people of Kogi West.
“I will be a Senator for all. I will carry everybody along. There will be no winner, no vanquished,” he said.
He thanked the Executive Governor of kogi state, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Engr. Bashir Gegu, Commander Omodara and all stakeholders who stood by him during the difficult moment of the legal battle, describing their support as a source of strength and encouragement.
He further promised to work hand in hand with all aggrieved persons, stressing that unity is the only way the party can win the general election and deliver good governance to the people.
Aro also assured the people of Kogi West of attracting development to the constituency, promising to focus on empowerment, education, healthcare, road infrastructure, youth employment and support for women and farmers, if elected.
He said his representation would be people-oriented and result-driven, adding that he would work closely with the state government to bring dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
In his remarks, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara, called on all members of the APC to continue to support Hon. Sam Aro, saying he is the constitutionally recognized Senatorial candidate in Kogi West.
Omodara urged party members to close ranks, forget past grievances and work together for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections.
“The court has spoken. Hon. Sam Aro is our candidate. Let us all support him and move forward as one family,” Omodara said.
After the gathering, the crowd moved round the major streets of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, in a carnival-like celebration.
Supporters sang, danced and displayed banners with inscriptions in support of Aro, as residents watched in excitement.
The celebration, according to observers, is a clear indication that the people of Kogi West are ready to rally behind Aro ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.
