By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The Director General of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF), Salihu Moh Lukman, has said the decision of Zamfara State Governor, Bello Mattawalle, to defect from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has indicated that the progressive party has the capacity to mobilise all patriotic citizens to join its fold.
In a statement issued yesterday by Lukman, titled ‘Welcoming Hon. Bello Muhammad Matawalle to APC’, the PGF said the defection is consistent with the vision of the party’s founding fathers, which is to ensure that APC is a platform that unite all Nigerians.
The Forum added that the coming of Governor Matawalle to the APC strengthens the process of membership and leadership recruitment at all levels, saying that together with all leaders and members, PGF welcomes ‘this eminent Nigerian to our great party’.
It also commended President Muhammadu Buhari, saying his exceptional political virtues, and fair dispositions makes APC attractive to all patriotic Nigerians.
“These sterling attributes of Mr. President will continue to promote our party to serve as the main source of our electoral advantage. Progressive Governors will continue to support Mr. President to build our party, APC, as a strong and democratic political party in the country.
“More than at another time, our members of the APC National Caretaker Extraordinary/Convention Planning Committee under the leadership of His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, have continued to raise the standards of political mobilisation in the country.
“At a time when politics is almost equated to warfare, they have been able to skillfully demonstrate that winning the minds of citizens is all about negotiations and winning agreements. They have been able to win landmark agreements that brings accomplished political leaders into APC, based on which the structures of our great party are being redefined.
“With these agreements, milestone achievements are being recorded almost on daily basis and experienced leaders, such as Engr. Dave Umahi, Prof. Ben Ayade, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Rt. Hon. Dimeji Bankole and now Alh. Bello Matawalle, among many others, have joined our great party”, the statement said.
At this point, the PGF welcomed Matawalle for taking the courageous decision of leaving the PDP to join the APC, saying the movement demonstrates his principles, commitment and conviction to the development of Nigeria.
“Hon. Matawalle is only coming home where he belongs. APC is indeed the party that will provide him and his people, and indeed all Nigerians the viable platform for political aspirations and negotiations. Together with Hon. Matawalle and all our leaders in the APC, our party’s capacity to serve the collective interests of all Nigerians through effective representation will be strengthened and reinforced.
“Our party is open to all Nigerians who are committed to the progress of our country. We, in the Forum, shall continue to mobilise and welcome all those who have a shared vision of supporting President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s agenda to consolidate the progress made and further unify our fellow patriots across the country.”
