Save the Deputy Governor, Mahdi Aliyu Gusau, and the member representing Anka/Talata-Mafara Federal Constituency, Hon. Kabiru Mafara who chose to remain in the PDP, Governor Bello Matawalle, carted away almost every political officer of note in Zamfara State from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to his new party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.
His haul included 24 members of the state House of Assembly, all the three senators, and six out of the seven members of the Federal House of Representatives have also defected to the APC.
At a grand rally on Tuesday at the Trade Fair Complex Gusau, Matawalle said, “As from today, I have dumped the Peoples Democratic Party and joined the All Progressive Congress.
“I’m now the leader of APC in Zamfara State and I am ready to work with each and everyone wishing to contribute to the rapid development of the state”.
National Caretaker Committee Chairman of APC and Yobe Governor, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni said, “As from today, Governor Bello Matawalle is the leader of the APC in Zamfara State.
“I also want to bring to your notice that as from today, the APC Caretaker committees of Zamfara State from the ward to the state level have been dissolved.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Matawalle, on his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying that the ruling party “is becoming more popular because of its impressive performance record and commitment to good governance.”
In a message delivered on his behalf by Boss Mustapha, the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) at the defection ceremony in Gusau on Tuesday, President Buhari said: “I’m proud of your timely and wise decision to join the governing party and our doors are wide open to other politicians who believe in our vision to rebuild Nigeria.
“Your voluntary decision to join our party confirms the fact that our agenda for good governance is the only reason why Nigerians are getting attracted to the APC because the other alternative didn’t work.”
The President used the occasion to urge APC Governors and elected lawmakers across the country “to continue to work harder to ensure our party maintains its popularity and retains power beyond 2023.”
He reminded all elected party officials of the fact that “your performance at all levels will impact significantly on the fortunes of the party”, adding that “party leaders should avoid complacency at all times in order to build the APC from strength to strength.”