Why I returned to PDP — Shekarau

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar (2nd left), joining the National Chairman of the party, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu (2nd right), to raise the hands of former Governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, representing Kano Central (middle), during Shekarau’s return to the PDP in Kano. Applauding are Vice Presidential candidate of the PDP and governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa (left) and Chairman, PDP's Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin (right).

Former Kano State governor and incumbent Senator representing Kano Central senatorial district, Ibrahim Shekarau, has explained that his decision to join the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is the final outcome of the Shura Committee, formed by his supporters. 

Shekarau explained that he was not after any position or office, but working to protect his integrity, dignity and freedom, as a citizen. 

This came as PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, said that the return of Shekarau to the party would give it a resounding victory in the forthcoming general elections.

Shekarau, in his address announcing his defection to the PDP, yesterday, added that, wherever he went and there were signs of lack of fairness and justice, he would leave. 

He publicly announced that he was no more the senatorial candidate under the New Nigerian Peoples Party, NNPP, saying he and all his supporters have moved to the PDP.

"It is not office or position that we are interested in. It is our integrity, dignity and freedom that we are protecting.

"Our political ideology as a group is moved by our commitment to fairness and justice to all. Anywhere we move to and there is no fairness and justice, I and my supporters move along.

"I have since notified the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, of my intention to dump the senatorial candidacy under the NNPP and completed the due processes. 

"We told you our reason since we established a 30-member committee of the Shura members. They sat and came up with this decision we are announcing today," he added.

Shekarau's return will give PDP resounding victory - Atiku

Atiku Abubakar, in Kano during a grand event organised to receive Shekarau back to the party in Kano, boasted that Shekarau's return to the party was a big catch, noting that it would add to the strength of the party.

According to him: "The overwhelming number of people who came out to grace the occasion despite heavy downpour recorded in the state is an indication that Shekarau has a lot of supporters and a man of the people.

"Your return to PDP is very important to us, the people of the state and PDP as a whole. Your return will add to the strength of PDP and even give the party resounding victory in the forthcoming general elections," Atiku said.

National Chairman of PDP, Sen. Iyorchia Ayu in his remarks said, Kano has always been a home of PDP, and people like Shekarau are very important.

"Shekarau was in PDP some years back before he left. He has come home and we believe with him, the party has gained more grounds in the state.

"Senator Shekarau is a selfless leader, who has chosen to let go of his senatorial seat to join PDP for the good of the nation.

"We are glad to have him back and we hope the good people of the state will rally round him during the 2023 elections to ensure our victory at all level," Ayu added.

Culled from Vanguard