The Peoples Democratic Party on Tuesday welcomed back into its fold the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki; the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Alhaji Ahmed Ibeto.
While Saraki and Ahmed openly declared their decision to dump the All Progressives Congress for the PDP on Tuesday, Ibeto, according to a report, resigned his appointment as ambassador on Monday and headed to his home state, Niger, where he has quietly joined the PDP.
In a statement on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, the PDP said the coming of Saraki, Ahmed and Ibeto could not have been at a better time than this when Nigeria requires the input of genuine patriots that will save her from an impending decline.
The statement added: “The PDP notes the harassment and intimidation that the duo of Senator Saraki and Governor Ahmed had suffered from the lords in the disintegrating All Progressives Congress (APC) which they helped to build and nurtured to win elections.
“Senator Saraki, in particular, has conducted the affairs of the Senate in reflection of the wishes of the silent majority of Nigerians and had emerged a hero of democracy.
“The party has no doubts that Senator Saraki, Governor Ahmed and Alhaji Ibeto will contribute immensely to the new order that engender good governance in our nation.
“The PDP assures all returning members of all the rights and privileges accruable to every member of our party.
“Furthermore, the PDP calls on all Nigerians who are desirous of rescuing our nation from the incompetent administration of President Buhari to rally with party of choice, PDP, ahead of the 2019 elections.”