Meeting With APC: Former nPDP Maps Out Strategies On Quitting Party  

…Sets up committees

BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – Members of the nPDP, that spoke through their chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje in a letter dated April 27, 2018 to the APC national chairman, met in Abuja on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 during which a lot of the members gave indication and argued that it was in their interest and those of majority of Nigerians for them to quit the ruling APC and the Buhari presidency.

Accordingly, the nPDP at its strategic meeting which took place on Wednesday, May 23, 2018 constituted Committees on various issues especially on how to rescue Nigeria from economic, social, political and particularly security challenges.

A dependable source at the meeting who craved anonymity told Forefront that “it is just a matter of days and the APC and the Presidency have clearly shown us their real side but we want to equally tell them that we are not political urchins but heavy weights of no means.

He further said; “You can imagine if a president that is seeking second term, who before now abandoned the party, would do in his second term. No one would matter and democracy would be at risk. That would be dangerous.”

The decision is an indication that the rumbles within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is no longer under control therefore tearing of the Party apart.

Members of the new Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) that played a major role to actualize presidential victory for the APC and president Muhammadu Buhari are seriously aggrieved of having been marginalized in the scheme of things by the APC and the Presidency that is at best witch hunting them.

Unlike the April 27, 2018 letter in which only Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola signed as Chairman and Secretary respectively, this time around, the names of the remaining members of the group threatening to dump the APC have been unveiled through their attendance of Wednesday’s meeting.

They include the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Speaker, Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu M. Kwankwaso, former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former governor of Adamawa State, Admiral Murtala Nyako (Rtd), former governor of Kebbi State, Senator Adamu Aliero and former governor of Gombe State, Senator Danjuma Goje.

Others include, Senators John Owan Enoh, Andy Uba, Ibrahim Gobir, Rufai Ibrahim, Ibrahim A. Danbaba, Suleman Nazif, Isa Hamma Misau, Muhammed Ubali Shitu, Shehu Sani, Dino Melaye, Suleiman O. Hunkuyi, Shaaba Lafiagi, Bala Ibn Na’Allah, David Umaru, Barnabas Gemade and Alhaji Abubakar K. Baraje, who is Chairman of the group.

The list also include some members of the House of Reps. They are Hons Aminu S. Shagari, Kabiru Marafa Achida, Isa M. Ashiru, Muh’d Musa Soba, Mark Gbillah, Sani Mohd Rano, Garba Umar Durbunde, Aliyu Madaki, Zakari Mohammed, Rufai Ahmed Chachangi, Razak Atunwa, Emmanuel M. Udende, Hassan Saleh, Nasiru Garo Sule, Orker Jev, Aliyu Ahman Pategi, Isah Halilu, Rabiu Garba Kaugama, Abdussamad Dasuki, Ismaila A. Gadaka, Lado Suleja, Dickson Tarkighir, Babatunde Kolawole, Dr. Bode Ayorinde, U. Danjuma Shida, Danburam Nuhu, Sunday Adepoju, Sani Zorro, Ahmed Garba Bichi, Garba Ibrahim Mohammed among others.

The nPDP in a statement issued on Saturday by its chairman, Alhaji Baraje, recalled that its members within the APC addressed a letter dated April 27, 2018 to the Chairman of APC where they informed the party of their grievances and expectations from both the party and government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Baraje said that following the development, the party invited the nPDP which they honoured for a meeting.

He further said; “We met with the leadership of the party last week during which we resolved to report the outcome of our meeting to our members and stakeholders before arriving at any decision or proceeding with the next phase of discussions or actions with the APC and government.

“I am glad to inform you therefore that we have briefed our members at a meeting convened in Abuja on Wednesday, 23rd May 2018 where we reviewed the state of the nation and our party, APC and constituted Committees on various issues especially on how to rescue Nigeria from economic, social, political and especially security challenges.”

The statement further said that the meeting was well attended by members of the nPDP including serving and former Governors, Senators, members of the House of Representatives, and other aggrieved APC .