President Muhammadu Buhari has finally reacted to the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News had reported earlier that the Ebonyi Governor announced his defection from PDP to APC while addressing journalists in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital on Tuesday, November 17.
Governor Umahi said he moved to the ruling APC because of injustice meted out to the Southeast by his former political party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The Ebonyi Governor clarified that he has no deal with the APC or any member of the party with regards to the zoning of the presidential position to the southeast in 2023 as touted in some quarters.
Reacting to Umahi’s defection to APC, President Buhari commended the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives.”President Buhari said: “I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”
According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”
President Buhari noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”
“Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many. I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions” President Buhari said.