The Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, has refuted claims in one of the national dailies that he and his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Sule Lamido, have plans to decamp to the All Progressives Congress, saying that he can never leave the Peoples Democratic Party.
Aliyu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, said he has nothing against the opposition party, but wouldn’t jump ship for any reason.
According to Aliyu: “I led the G-7 to advocate for sanity in the PDP.
“What we fought for was patriotic and results are recorded.
“And now, the ruling party is set for a victorious outing in the next general election.
“Every social existence must have crisis, which must be resolved.
“The PDP has indeed overcome its challenges.
“What led to the G-7, nPDP shouldn’t be misconstrued as moves to cross to the opposition or divide the ruling party but a move to bring sanity to the PDP.
“Let me once again state clearly that I don’t have intentions to leave PDP for any political party.
“For me, I don’t think it is proper for a politician to engage in changing party platform as a strategy.
“It only exposes the person or group as unserious or inconsistent.
“In my own opinion, I think coming back to your political fold after leaving for another platform is a welcome idea but reverse is the case once you leave for a different turf entirely.
“I am indeed very glad PDP has overcome its challenges and set to win at the next general election. Its therefore misplaced priority to contemplate leaving now.”
Governor Aliyu, while reiterating his resolve to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party, called on Nigerians to discountenance insinuations that he has intention to cross carpet.
He further stated that he is aware some politicians are trying to present him and Lamido in negative perspective to achieve their self based political interests.
Accordingly, he said: “I am not unaware of the fact that some politicians in our party want to smear us for refusing to leave the PDP.
“I am sorry to disappoint them, I have never contemplated leaving my party despite the impunity we fought.
“Let me inform that I am on membership drive for the PDP and I will be very glad to welcome our members who are presently in the opposition party.”