APC chieftain dispels rumour of Atiku’s defection to PDP

A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Deacon Elijah Afolabi , has dispelled the rumour that former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, is planning to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking with reporters in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Afolabi, an ally of Atiku for many years , said that it was unthinkable that any group would carry out a smear campaign against the Turakin Adamawa and doubt his loyalty to APC in spite of his obvious commitment to the party.

He said: “The Turakin personally sent me a text message distancing himself from the group that was said to have defected to the PDP in the South West, led by Chief Bode Ajewole and his rented crowd, with the Ondo State governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, and his executive in attendance. He clearly told me they did not have his mandate to do so.

“Another group of so called 120 Atiku Supporters also exploited the desperation of the PDP to swindle them, using the name of Atiku Abubakar, which he also openly dissociated himself from. It must be realised that Atiku is a foundation pillar of the APC, when he led the G-7 governor’s and other stakeholders out of the stage-managed PDP convention in Abuja.

Atiku’s commitment to change, as epitomised by the APC, is not only visible but deep-rooted. Even overtures were severally made to him by the PDP from the highest level but he stood his ground, deciding to pitch his tent with the wind of change that is blowing across the political landscape of Nigeria.

 

“It is obvious that some elements outside the APC are up to some mischief. Atiku is a giant of democracy, who can never be dwarfed by elements with sinister motives.”

Afolabi maintained that the former vice president has demonstrated his unflinching loyalty and commitment to the APC in every possible way  physically, morally and financially.

Afolabi, who noted that Atiku has openly discountenanced those  against the APC but using his name, said that the Turakin stood for democracy, good governance, social justice, equity and all that the APC stands for.