The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has formally announced
his departure from Nigeria’s ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, made a similar
announcement at about the same time.
Mr Saraki made his announcement on his official social media
handles.
“I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive
consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress
(APC),” he wrote on his Twitter handle.
Nigerians have largely expected Mr. Saraki’s defection from
especially after all the federal lawmakers from his Kwara State left the APC
last week.
The Senate President is expected to join the main opposition
party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
I wish to inform Nigerians that, after extensive
consultations, I have decided to take my leave of the All Progressives Congress
(APC).
— Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) July 31, 2018
Governor Ahmed, Mr Saraki’s political ally, also defected to
the PDP.
A statement by his media aide, Muyideen Akorede, said the
decision followed consultations with people in the state.
“Following due consultations with the people and in response
to calls by major stakeholder groups in the state, Kwara State Governor, Alhaji
Abdulfatah Ahmed today defected to the People’s Democratic Party(PDP), having
realized that the All Progressive Congress (APC) can longer serve as a platform
for achieving the aspirations and expectations of his people,” the statement
said.
Mr. Saraki joined the APC on January 29, 2014 after falling
out with the then PDP government, led by President Goodluck Jonathan.
