Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday said that he left the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to establish good governance in the country.
Following his defection to the PDP, Ribadu also said in a statement, yesterday, that he would not to antagonise his former associates in the APC, denying a statement credited to him where he had purportedly disparaged Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State.
“I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party. But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling.
“I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations.
“Let me quickly make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso…These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.
“My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party. I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honourable ways of resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection. I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange.
“As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time. For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section.
“Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful. I’ll never let you down on this new path,” the statement posted on his facebook page read.
Reactions continue to trail Ribadu’s defection to the PDP as many followers of the former anti-graft agency boss express disappointment over his decision.
A facebook post on April 9 also made the defection shocking to many as Ribadu had denied plans to defect, slamming rumour mongers as spreading malicious falsehood.
“I felt personally insulted by rumours making the rounds in this space over my alleged intention to dump my party, the All Progressives Congress, APC. There is no iota of truth in that malicious falsehood being peddled by persons who do not wish me and my great party any good.
“I am a committed member of APC and I have no reason to lose confidence in the party. For the past seven days, I have been in my state of Adamawa helping to see to the smooth conduct of ward congresses and other coming elections.
“I urge all my friends here to disregard that rumour as what it is; cheap blackmail from mischievous persons,” he wrote.
With the deed already done, Ribadu will be focusing on the PDP primaries, as he hopes to become the flag bearer of the party in Adamawa State governorship election on October 11.
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