The All Progressives Congress [APC] has expressed disappointment over the defection of one of its chieftains, Nuhu Ribadu, to the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP], describing the development as “very terrible.”
The party however wished him luck in his new party. Mr. Ribadu, a former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, decamped to the ruling party on Saturday. A member of the executive committee of the PDP in Bako, Mr. Ribadu’s ward in Yola South Local Government Area of Adamawa, had told sources that the former EFCC boss had registered as a member of the party and given party membership card.
Mr. Ribadu, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, was the presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in the 2011 elections. The ACN merged with the All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC, and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
Speaking with newsmen on Sunday, the National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun, said he was not disappointed by Mr. Ribadu’s action, but that it merely confirmed the level to which the Nigerian society had degenerated.
“It makes me sad because it is very terrible thing. It is a confirmation of the level to which our society has degenerated,” he said. “For a man of that calibre to fall into that trap because of governorship position is disappointing.
There is no problem; we wish him luck.” Asked why it was disappointing, the APC national chairman said, “Don’t you see what this represents – that a man of his calibre will fall for the temptation? “I hope you understand the point I am making. I am not sad because of the APC, but because it reflects on the condition of the Nigerian elite and the kind of things they fall for.
“For the APC, there is no problem. People go, people come, but for this nation, it is a very sad commentary. It makes you unhappy.” On whether the APC leadership made any effort to dissuade Mr. Ribadu from leaving the party, Mr. Oyegun merely said,
“People spoke with him,” adding “I don’t want to say more than that.” He however said, “The time has come when we should have politicians of principle. We cannot continue like this. “The society is sick.
We shouldn’t encourage things like this. It indicates democracy is lacking in that party. “For a man of his calibre to say the things he has said on record and still did this, is disappointing. If he had done this six months ago that would have been understandable. But just because of nomination, you fell for it, even if it is the main election. (Buba) Marwa is there; the Speaker is there. “This is rock bottom. Haba wetin! The disconnection is too direct.”
The APC national chairman was not definite if the party would initiate any effort to get the former EFCC chairman back into the party. “That is not the issue,” he said. “If you want to get him back, you offer him what the people are offering him. “I’m not disappointed because I’m APC or because of where he is going. But for a man of that calibre who has said things on record and yet went in this direction is disappointing.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Ribadus defection is the biggest blow to have hit APC. Its like they got all the bad eggs from pdp and pdp got probably the only good egg they had. Isnt it ironic. I'm betting we will still see a lot of twists and turns as 2015 approaches. Really can't blame ribadu though because their is really no difference between both parties; only thing being that pdp has a huge advantage over APC as the only really national party between the two. As for the membership they both have a combination of the good, the bad and the ugly.
ReplyDeleteIl used to see Ribadu as a man of high integity not knowing that he has none at all. Upon all that he has said about pdp. Is a big shame on him.
ReplyDeleteEvery man has a price bro, especially Nigerian politicians who are cheaper in price!
Deleteoga forget wat ur saying i know dat ur almost crying
ReplyDeleteRibadu remains a man of principle, integrity and discipline. His name is not PDP or APC. Dat he joins PDP does not min dat he has compromised his qualities. If u wnt 2help d people but ur current state of affairs cannot guarantee you, nd you have a way of getting there, why not? He didn't kill anybody or commit suicide. In fact, I respect even more. I heard people saying that he defected to PDP out of desperation. Yes, I accept this line of d argument...and the argument needs to be completed. He rejected APC because he is desperate to help the people and he found out that it is easier to help the people thru PDP than APC. I wish you well, Ribadu!
ReplyDeleteThis is not about helping people but personal interest which I have no objection to. Yoruba adage says ' This is the way I do my things' can never change. On this note Mallam Ribadu is exonerated.
DeleteBut for democracy, you may want to help but got rejected by the same people you want to help whatever the political party you belong to. If majority of his people want him to help them as he claims, that is if he has grassroots support, he can still achieve his interest with his former party, APC, or even as independent candidate, but if the people reject him, PDP cannot help him unless through rigging.
If PDP would allow free and fair primary, he does not stand the chance of being its flag bearer, considering the situation on ground and many interests within the party. If any of the aspirants with strong grassroots support feels cheated by PDP and decided to achieve his interest through the opposition with mass followers, then the chance is slim for Ribadu.
I think this is the concern of APC Chairman, it shouldn't have been for governorship ticket but on principle. If he has done this immediately after the 2011 general election when he was sold out, then it is understandable.
All the same we wish him well, but he should always watch his back, those that fought for Nyako removal would not let go easily.
Ribadu made the rite decision, apc is like a wide road which seemeth rite to men but the end thereof is destruction nd Ribadu being a wise man has seen the end of apc nd decided to repent before it's too late. If pdp is bad, apc is worst.
ReplyDeletePolitics of desperation past one. The days of bad leaders in Nigeria are numbered. The wrath of God is @ hand.
ReplyDeleteMr Oyegun, Don't be surprise because many people are beginning to realised that APC has nothing to offer Nigerians n are Jajaweed party
ReplyDeletePDP, av something to offer? may be not. Ribadu going back to swallow his vomit! He will suffer
ReplyDeleteY the surprise in APC? When Isiaka Adeleke and Oyinlola left PDP for APC were they surprised? The truth is that these people are out to fight for themselves and not we nigerians because the same set of people have been ruling nigerians for years. The earlier we know this truth the better for us.
ReplyDeleteThis is not about helping people but personal interest which I have no objection to. Yoruba adage says ' This is the way I do my things' can never change. On this note Mallam Ribadu is exonerated.
ReplyDeleteBut for democracy, you may want to help but got rejected by the same people you want to help whatever the political party you belong to. If majority of his people want him to help them as he claims, that is if he has grassroots support, he can still achieve his interest with his former party, APC, or even as independent candidate, but if the people reject him, PDP cannot help him unless through rigging.
If PDP would allow free and fair primary, he does not stand the chance of being its flag bearer, considering the situation on ground and many interests within the party. If any of the aspirants with strong grassroots support feels cheated by PDP and decided to achieve his interest through the opposition with mass followers, then the chance is slim for Ribadu.
I think this is the concern of APC Chairman, it shouldn't have been for governorship ticket but on principle. If he has done this immediately after the 2011 general election when he was sold out, then it is understandable.
All the same we wish him well, but he should always watch his back, those that fought for Nyako removal would not let go easily.
Why the outcry that Mr Ribadu crossed to PDP? Sooner than later, you will see more defections on the pretext to "help the people". Whether they are helping the people or not, we are all living witnesses. Politicians are both risk takers and risk averse. One frequent asked question (FAQ) that is begging for answer is, Who amongst us would stay in the employment of a slave driving management? Your guess is as good as mine. Have a good day my dear fellow Nigerians.
ReplyDeleteribadu eating his vomit, what a world.....he is finished politically
ReplyDelete