Shagari’s Defections of No Consequence, Says Sokoto PDP

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sokoto State chapter, has described the defection of the former state Deputy Governor, Mukthar Shagari to  the All Progressives Congress (APC), as one that has no consequence on the party’s fortunes.

This was contained in a statement titled: ‘Defection of Shagari of No Consequence’, which was signed by the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Hassan Sanyiinnawal Sahabi, in Sokoto yesterday.

The party said the defection of the former minister of water resources was long expected since he had been bearing a grudge for failing to secure the PDP governorship ticket for the March governorship election.

The statement partly read: “The former deputy governor had thought that the former state Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and the party were going to hand over the governorship ticket of the party in the last election to him on a platter of gold.

Sahabi said the party was of the view that the exit of the former deputy governor, without formal notification to the party, was ill-timed and ill-advised because the party had always treated him with respect, love, and consideration.

He explained that PDP frowned upon the desperation being exhibited by the former minister, stressing that he has betrayed the party.

The party’s spokesman noted that Shagari left the party without anybody following him.

He added that as a former minister and deputy governor from the party, Shagari has benefited more than any party member in the state, calling on all members of the party to remain united to ensure the party win future elections in the state.

Confirming Shagari’s defection, APC state Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Yabo, told THISDAY that the former minister has received his party membership card, which qualifies him as dully registered member of his new party.

The defection of the former deputy governor has brought a lot of insinuations going round in the state that Shagari, who is well known for his conservative political ideology, would remain in the PDP even if he is the last man standing.