A faction of the embattled New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), led by its former National Chairman, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali has dumped the party for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) citing irreconcilable differences for their decision to leave their former colleagues.
While listing the litany of reasons for joining the APC, Professor Ahmed Alkali, who was the pioneer National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) complained against the arbitrariness and authoritarian disposition of the Presidential flag bearer of the NNPP, among other contentious issues in the party.
Professor Alkali led other notable figures in the NNPP such as Senator Sulaiman Othman Hunkuyi, former Deputy National Chairman, the former National Organising Secretary (NOS) and Kaduna State NNPP Governorship Candidate,
Professor Ben Angie, who was a former Executive Secretary, National Human Rights Commission and former Benue State NNPP Governorship Candidate among others to the cross-over event.
In a presentation titled: “why we declared for the All Progressives Congress APC,” Alkali said, “As Your Excellency may be aware, most of us seated here participated actively in building and strengthening the NNPP political base as formidable political movement that attracted membership and follower-ship nationwide, which enabled the party to field candidates in virtually every electable position throughout the 36 States of the federation and Abuja.
“During the very rough and tough process of rebuilding the NNPP, Senator Sulaiman Othman Hunkuyi served initially, as the Deputy National Chairman and later as the National Organising (NOS) of the party. Some of the most difficult and challenging positions in the party while Professor Ben Angwe took the herculean task of being the National Legal Adviser of the party. My humble self, I was the National Chairman of the party in what turned out to be one of the most grueling and eye opening experience of my lifetime.”
Others in the decamping train, according to Alkali, included respected members and leaders of the NNPP from various parts of the country who contested various positions including the Senate, House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly.
There are many others like Hon Abigail Albashi, Hon Adamu Sargajiga, Barrister Isaac Idu, Hon Bukar Musa Mailafiya, Hon Terkura Upav and Hon Timothy Nantok, Nuhu Ajiana Audu, Dr. Isa Abdullahi Shika, Hon Mikaih Takwat, Major Yahaya Shinko (Rtd), Alhaji Usman Danbaba, Hon ihyom Asongu, Barrister John Tine, Hon Dekaan Akarde, Hon Mrs Mercy Achagh and Chief Dr Bob Echikwonye, Adamu Mohammed, Sarkin Malamai and HON Johnson Abbah.
While congratulating the National Chairman of APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful outcome of the Supreme Court ruling, Alkali described the APC as more accommodating than other parties.
He said, “Today, we have all decided to move forward with the APC. In our view, with the new mood in the country, both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the new leadership of the party under your able and distinguished Chairmanship, both of you veteran politicians, APC has shifted the gear and you have also opened a new page in the history of party politics in the country that is more welcoming and more accommodating.”
While receiving the new members at the National Secretariat, APC Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Ganduje commended the course of the politicians and their determination to join the winning party.
He promises that even as new members they will enjoy equal rights with foundation members of the party.
