By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
Former Minister of Transport, Yusuf Suleiman yesterday in Sokoto, said that his defection to the ruling APC was voluntary and an unconditional decision, describing the opposition PDP as wrong party.
According to him” I was in the wrong company of those who do not understand the ideals and concept of party politics and democracy.
” As a patriotic Nigerian, I feel that I owe Nigeria’s citizens the duty to demonstrate same and the need to join the journey of helping Mr President and Sokoto state to develop the nation.”
Speaking to reporters shortly after he was registered, Suleiman who was also a Minister for Youth and Sports said he was confident that he had what to offer to the popularity and vision of the ruling APC.
” I can add value and credibility to the growth and development of the state and APC”, he said.
He explained that he joined the ruling APC based on his conviction that the party was truly a democratic platform that has the capacity to deliver to Nigeria and Nigerians the right leadership and dividends of democracy and good governance.
” Nigeria is transiting to prosperity under the ruling APC government of President Muhammadu Buhari. We need to join hands with our political leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko to take the state to the next level it ought to be.”
” I believe in the vision and mission as well the ideals of the party driven by good leadership, transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
” APC has in the last three years, demonstrated total commitment and resilience in shaping the nation and liberating the political spirit of Nigerians to collectively work for the advancement of the country”, he stated.
Suleiman, one of the ‘big fish’, who’s defection came clear last Saturday at the triumphant homecoming rally for Senator Aliyu Wamakko, has further depleted the opposition and swelled the ruling party’s numerical force in the state.
The ruling APC convert
however said” I am convinced that I am not just a politician but a key player and APC is in the hearts and souls of Sokoto people.”
Although, the former Minister denied been tipped to join the party for a governorship saying” I told you that my coming to APC is voluntary and no body signed or promised me governorship ticket.”
He said it was not in his character to embrace defection, adding that” that is why I took my careful time until now. “
The former Minister maintained that Sokoto state had no better choice of political party than APC, promising that he would steadfastly join other leaders of the party in the state and nation in bracing the ruling APC to victory come 2019.
According to Suleiman, ” we will not relent in our efforts to galvanise and sustain the leading tempo of the party across our state against any opposition platform”, he stressed further
