Ten members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Executive Committee (EXCO) in Adamawa State on Tuesday, March 24, 3015 dumped the opposition party, pitching their tent with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Among those who defected are: Publicity Secretary, Padio Phinehas; State Youth Leader, Usman Mohammed Danyaro; Assistant Secretary, Maiyani Yunis; State woman leader, Hauwa Agwu; Financial Secretary, Papka Medugu; Auditor, Musa Hero; Zonal women leader (South), Mercy Abraham; and Zonal Youth Leader (central), Abdu James.
According to Mr. Pinehas, who announced their defection at the PDP secretariat in Yola, the group decided to leave the APC in order to support the PDP gubernatorial candidate and former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, adding that they could not vouch for the APC candidates in the state.
Mr. Padio said: “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).
“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.
“Honestly speaking, many of us here today had wanted to have Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as the candidate of our party, the APC, for the Adamawa governorship while he was still with us. But by act of providence he left the party before could achieve our good intention. However, to quote Shakespeare, “a rose by whatever name it is called will remain sweet”.
“We believe wherever he goes Nuhu Ribadu would remain Nuhu Ribadu.
“In conclusion, I 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.
“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.”
