BY BENEDICT NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
The decision of Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State to join the All Progressives Congress has been described as an affirmation of the ruling party’s capacity to mobilise patriotic citizens to its fold in consistence with the vision of its founding fathers to unite Nigerians.
The Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum, Governor Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State, on behalf of the Forum said Matawalle’s defection to the APC strengthened the process of membership and leadership recruitment at all levels.
Ascribing the achievements to the President, the PGF said, “Once again, we celebrate our leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, whose exceptional political virtues, and fair dispositions make our party attractive to all patriotic Nigerians.
“These sterling attributes of Mr. President will continue to promote our party to serve as the main source of our electoral advantage. Progressive governors will continue to support Mr. President to build our party, APC, as a strong and democratic political party in the country.”
The PGF noted that more than ever before, the APC National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee under the leadership of Governor Buni had raised the standards of political mobilisation in the country.
According to them, at a time when politics is almost equated to warfare, they have been able to demonstrate that winning the minds of citizens is all about negotiations and agreements.
“They have been able to win landmark agreements that brings accomplished political leaders into APC, based on which, the structures of our great party are being redefined. With these agreements, milestone achievements are being recorded almost on daily basis and experienced leaders, such as Dave Umahi, Prof. Ben Ayade, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Yakubu Dogara, Dimeji Bankole and Bello Matawalle, among many others, have joined our great party.
“We welcome Governor Matawalle for taking the courageous decision of leaving the Peoples’ Democratic Party to join the All Progressives Congress. The movement of Matawalle to the APC demonstrates his principles, commitment and conviction to the development of Nigeria.
“Matawalle is only coming home where he belongs. APC is, indeed, the party that will provide him and his people, and indeed all Nigerians the viable platform for political aspirations and negotiations.”
The governors described the APC as the future of Nigerian democracy, which, they said, is all about negotiations, consultations and winning agreements.
“The guiding philosophy as enshrined in the provisions of our manifesto will produce landmark agreements that would facilitate economic, social and political development of Nigeria,” they said.
