Hon Mukaila Kazzim (2nd from right) during the flag off of the campaign

Adejoke Adeleye/ Abeokuta

Hon. Mukaila Kazzim who has represented the people of Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi Owode Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives for under the platform of All Progressive Congress (APC) on Wednesday flagged-off campaign to return to the green chamber for another term but this time, under the platform of Allied People’s Movement.

The flag-off of the campaign held at Oba Odeleye Park, Sokori Abeokuta, the state capital of Ogun State was witnessed by supporters of the legislator from the three local government areas covered by his constituency.

In the speech he delivered at the occasion, Kazzim said he was forced to defect to APM alongside others following the theft of the mandate he got to run on the platform of APC.

“I am on the side of the masses that birthed a new movement which seeks to right the wrongs of a few who resorted to clandestine ways of denying you all the mandate freely given to me the the good people of Abeokuta North, Obafemi Owode and Odessa Federal Constituency was stolen and given to the son of one of those who perpetuated the most heinous electoral heist of all time.

“I had an option of approaching the courts, but the overwhelming support and outpour of solidarity by my people immediately after the fraud shows that I can actually seek and get justice through the ballot during the general elections, regardless of the party flag we fly as our records speak volume of our acceptance and popularity,” he said.

Hon Kazzim who described APM as a truly democratic party and progressive movement, noted that that as a result of his ability to deliver on a number of promises to his constituents in his first term, he was nicknamed “Mr Empowerment.”

He promised to continue in the same way if he gets a fresh mandate, assuring the people of ‘grand dividends of democracy, in addition to sponsorship of robust bills and motions. The lawmaker promised to take his campaign for re-election to all the nooks and crannies of his constituency.

“As we approach the general elections in February and March this year, as part of the events that precede the elections, I will like to use this golden opportunity to inform you all that we shall commence our electioneering campaigns which will take us to all wards and local government areas within my federal Constituency: “We shall be visiting various traditional institutions, Artisans, Youth Bodies,NGOs,Market places and all stakeholders within our constituency.”

He, however, called on all, including the leaders of the party to support him in the electioneering campaign.

The APM gubernatorial candidate, Hon Abdulkabir Adekunle Akinlade (Triple A) who was on his way to Yewa, made a detour to the venue of the flag off of the campaign for the House of Reps candidate.

The APC governorship candidate urged party members come out to vote for all the candidates of the party during the election, while reminding them that heir vote is their power.

“I have not come here to talk about myself, I’ve come here to tell you my people to vote for what is right and just.

“I want 100 percent votes for APM candidates not 72-28 percent.”

“They don’t know that good governance is about the people, they thought if they give the mandate to another person, the people would be in dismay. but no we still stand firm.

“They gave the mandate that belongs to us to someone whom the people don’t know, they want to reap in where they didn’t sew but God pass them we still stand firm,” the APM governorship candidate said.

But Akinlade advised the people never to fight with the opposition, so as not to give ground for rigging of the election.