ZAMBOANGA CITY – Political leaders in Basilan Province led by Gov. Jum Akbar formally took their oath as members of the merged party Lakas-Kampi-CMD, in a move widely perceived to have solidified the ruling coalition’s political dominance in this part of the country.

Akbar along with Basilan Vice Gov. Al Rasheed Sakalahul were sworn in by Defense Chief and ruling party standard bearer Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro during a ceremony held at the Alavar’s Restaurant in this city.

Akbar and Sakalahul were joined by the entire members of Basilan Provincial Board, 10 town mayors, two vice mayors and a host of prospective local candidates in next year’s scheduled polls.

Before joining Lakas, Akbar and majority of the province’s elected local leaders ran and won under the banner of the Liberal Party (LP).

In joining the ruling party, Akbar acknowledged the administration’s programs which she said have brought progress and significant economic gains in her province.

She also cited the successful peace and order campaign of the government in Mindanao which according to her was a product of Teodoro’s decisiveness as Defense chief.

“We believe that Secretary Teodoro has what it takes to be the next leader of the Republic. The people of Basilan will rally behind his quest to win the presidency in 2010,” Akbar said.

Teodoro said the decision of Akbar and the key leaders of Basilan to join the ruling party was a very positive political development for the administration.

He said the party expects more leaders in key areas in the country to join Lakas in the coming days.

“This is a concrete proof to our assertions that Lakas-Kampi-CMD is the most dominant political party in the country today,” Teodoro said as he vowed to work hard to lead the party into victory come next year’s elections.

Early in the day, Teodoro visited Basilan and Jolo in Sulu where he was briefed by top military officials of Western Mindanao Command regarding the military’s renewed anti-terror campaign in the south.