SDP congratulates APC

Alhaji Umar Imam, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate in the Aug. 11 by-election into Lokoja/Kogi Federal constituency has congratulated the winner of the election, Alhaji Haruna Isah of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Imam, who was also the immediate past Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly, congratulated Isah in a statement issued in Lokoja on Wednesday.

Imam, in the statement he personally signed, said that his decision to congratulate Isah of the APC was borne out of political philosophy of service to the people.

“My involvement in the by-election was to accentuate and defend our democracy. It shouldn’t matter whether I win or lose. My political philosophy is based on service to the people,’’ he said.

He, however, said that the election “left us some bitter lessons and terrible experience, alien to our politics and dangerous to our democracy.”

Imam commended his supporters for standing firm in the face provocation and intimidation, admonishing them to remain loyal and steadfast.

He then warned that those who “`cheaply sold their votes to refrain if they want the country to get it right.’’

The former Speaker also called on the youths to shun political thuggery and invest their energy in productive ventures that can ultimately benefit them and the nation.

The SDP candidate expressed sadness over the violence that erupted in some parts of Lokoja during the election in which two persons lost their lives.

“Their death is painful and unfortunate. May Allah repose their souls and grant their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

“Also, to everyone who suffered any manner of pain or intimidation during the election, I empathise and pray for their quick healing.

“Freely or dubiously, a winner has been declared by INEC, and I have formally called to congratulate him. This is my politics, as I abhor ‘do or die’ politics,’’ he said.