- Hints others on their way out
BY WILLIAM ATTAH, GOMBE – The gale of defections has continued to hit the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) in Gombe State with a former majority leader in the State House of Assembly, Markus Samuel, calling it quit on Thursday morning.
Markus’ resignation is coming within a week that another member, Rambi Ibrahim Ayala, also exited the party in a letter widely circulated by him to end his short sojourn as an APC legislator.
So far, the crisis bedevilling the ruling party in the State has seen a handful of political aides to Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, some party chieftains and members abandoning the Party and the State administration recently.
Insiders within the State Assembly confirmed to Forefront that current happenings are just a tip of the iceberg as no fewer than five other APC lawmakers have concluded plans to bid the ruling party farewell.
Confirming his resignation in a telephone interview with Forefront, Markus Samuel, who represents Pero-Chonge State Constituency in the House of Assembly, said his exit letter from the party was written without any pressure or coercion.
According to him; “I have also called His Excellency, the Governor to inform him about my issues and why I am checking out of the party”.
Markus also hinted that more lawmakers in the 24-member Assembly are planning to publicly announce their exit from the APC for good.
However, in reacting to the gale of defections from the party, APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Moses Kyari, had on Tuesday described the development as an exhibition of desperation by a few members seeking new platforms to contest elections given that they are facing stiff opposition from their constituencies.
Assuring that the party is not moved or worried by the “actions of desperadoes”, Kyari said the APC has concluded all arrangement to receive thousands of well meaning masses into its fold from the 114 electoral wards of the State.
He said the party has not relented in strategising behind the scenes, adding; “A political party is just like a market where there are entry and exit points.
“If you are leaving, don’t cause and leave confusion behind. Exit peacefully, we can’t stop you. If you are leaving today, 10 people are coming in, so why do we need to worry? The party has been strategizing behind the scenes.”
