A former Minister of Sports and Chieftain of People Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Samaila Sambawa, and his supporters have decamped to the ruling party, All Progressive Congress (APC).
Sambawa, who served as a Minister of Internal Affairs, Foreign, Sports and Youths Development under PDP administration formally dumped his party and joined APC on Sunday at the Halidu Stadium, Birnin–Kebbi.
Addressing his supporters, Sambawa said that he decided to join the ruling party due to the quality leadership offered by President Muhammad Buhari and Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi.
“You will all agree with me that relative peace, security of lives and property being witness across the country resulted from concerted efforts, determination and personal commitment of Mr. President.
“We also bear witness to the tremendous agricultural revival programme carried out by the Federal Government under the famous Anchor Borrowers programme.
“This has gone a long way in redirecting the diversification policy of the government towards mass rice production to enable us attain food sufficiency, economic growth and sustainable empowerment of our people.”
He added that he and his supporters were proud of the leadership style of Bagudu.
“Another interesting dimension provided to the quest for good governance drive in Kebbi state is translated in the ability of the state government to facilitate 24 hour electricity supply across the state, massive investment in education, rural development, healthcare delivery and youth empowerment.”
He added that he also decided to join the ruling party to contribute meaningfully to the general well-being and prosperity of the people of the state.
“Let me also affirm that from today myself and teeming number of supporters, friends and well wishers from all the 21 LGAs of the state have formally declared for the APC.
“Therefore, I am calling for smooth and harmonious coexistence among all ranks of the party to enable us contribute meaningfully to the promotion of democracy and good governance in the state,” he said.
The state’s APC Chairman Attahiru Maccido, while welcoming the new members said Sambawa defected with over 100,000 supporters and assured them of equal treatment with older party members.
“You will be treated equally and our doors are open to members of other political parties.”
The governor, who welcomed the ex-minister and his supporters, described the defection as a welcome development.
He urged members of the opposition parties in the state to join the APC.