He also noted that the party has become autocratic as the National Executive Council takes unilateral decisions in states without consulting the governors who are also party leaders in their own right.
“This is demonstrated recently by the decision taken by the National Executive Council of the party to dissolve the Zamfara State PDP executives without consulting me. This is a gross violation of democratic procedures and party ethics,” he explained.
The governor averred that his joining the APC was a momentous decision which marked the beginning of a new chapter in Zamfara political history, adding that the gesture was inline with the State’s age-old political ethos of unity and peaceful coexistence.
He said almost all of the State’s PDP stalwarts have defected to the APC, indicating that the people of Zamfara were united by a shared political destiny and have opted to work together to take the State forward.
“The last two years have provided us with a wholesome opportunity to make an in-depth analysis of our political alignment, taking into account the strategic interest of the State and the general wellbeing of our people.
“We came to the conclusion that remaining in opposition is not in the best interest of our dear State, especially because the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, hails from the northwest and is widely regarded as a man of unquestionable integrity.
“Remaining in opposition, notwithstanding the President’s amazing zeal to attend to all matters relating to our State’s progress, is not in keeping with an African spirit, culture, or moral values.
“Furthermore, APC governors came here to express solidarity with us in the aftermath of recent calamities of fire disaster and an upsurge in banditry attacks in some parts of the State.
“We believe there is a compelling need to rally behind the APC at this critical point in our country’s history when voices of disintegration are being echoed in some quarters and amplified by a section of the media. The President needs all of our support to keep the country peaceful and united.
“In taking this bold decision, my aim is to have an all inclusive government where people with different political perspectives will put their hands together for the development of our State. This is taking into account our monumental challenges ranging from security to the issue of provision of the much needed infrastructure across the State.
“In my determination to provide an all inclusive platform to make our State great, some of the current members of my team are still members of other political parties.
“In fact, we are not the only ones with this vision of development-oriented politics; hundreds of other well-intentioned Nigerians do as well. The formal exit from the PDP by certain governors in the southeast and south-south is a prominent example from recent history. And as we move towards 2023, many well-meaning Nigerians would join a broad-based political platform that will keep the country’s unity, the APC,” he noted.
He said despite being in opposition, he had had unrestricted access to Mr President and unprecedented support on all issues that affected the state, adding that without the president’s immense support, the state would not have achieved the pace it has achieved in peace-building within the past two years.
He promised to work with all APC stakeholders and members in moving the state forward.
He thanked President Buhari for his unwavering support and encouragement, adding that he has been inspired by Mr President’s integrity and vision of a united and thriving Nigeria.
He also thanked the chairman of the APC caretaker committee, Mai Mala Buni as well as other party officials for making the event a reality.
