Ten member of the All Progressives Congress executive committee in Adamawa state who defeated from the party to join the Peoples Democratic Party say they did so in the interest of the state and because they believe in the ability of the gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Nuhu Ridabu, to chart a new course for the troubled state. The defecting officials in a statement on Tuesday say it is clear Mr Ridabu will rise “above primordial and personal interests” in rescuing the state from the grip of underdevelopment and work for the collective good of the people.
“Upon careful review of all the issues and problems, as well as personalities on offer aiming for the top job, we come to the selfless conclusion that no better person is right to take Adamawa back on track than the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” the statement reads.
“Unfortunately, for months and weeks, we have been saddled with the responsibility of marketing candidates that we frankly cannot vouch for their capacity and competence especially in comparable with the candidates PDP parades in the State.”
They said they had planned to work for the emergence of Mr Ribadu as the APC gubernatorial candidate while he was a member of the party but he left the party to the PDP before they could make it come to pass.
“However, to quote Shakespeare, “a rose by whatever name it is called will remain sweet”. We believe wherever he goes Nuhu Ribadu will remain Nuhu Ribadu.”
“We believe the real change Adamawa needs today – the change from incompetence and cronyism to competent and selfless leadership is well represented by the PDP. Our decision is in the interest of Adamawa State. It is borne out of the patriotic flair to uplift our dear state and transform the lives of our people.
” [We] want to inform you and through you the good people of Adamawa State that we that are here today, and our teeming supporters across the state, have decided to resign our membership of the APC and join the PDP with the intention of joining the team that has the capacity and intention of transforming our state.
Among those who defected were the APC Publicity Secretary, Phineas Padio; Youth Leader, Usman Mohammed Danyaro; Assistant Secretary, Maiyani Yunis; Woman leader, Hauwa Agwu; Financial Secretary, Papka Medugu; Auditor, Musa Hero; Zonal Women Leader (South), Mercy Abraham; and Zonal Youth Leader (Central) Abdu James.