Today at the State House, Abuja, President Buhari handed the flags of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the two Governors who recently left the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — the Governors of Cross River and Zamfara States, Bello Matawalle and Ben Ayade respectively.
Raising their hands aloft, the President said:
“This is one of the happiest times for us in this party. For you to have the courage to leave your constituencies speak a lot. I wish Nigerians will reflect about it.
I congratulate you for leaving your constituencies for our great party. We lost many states at the last election, which is unusual for a ruling party. But we did it to prove that we are a tolerant group. We wanted to demonstrate that we respect individuals.
We emphasized that we respect our people. That was why we insisted on free and fair elections. Leaders should show honesty and respect for their followers.
To be principled and identify your objectives is a great quality that should endear us to our people. Your people will respect you more for having the courage to come to APC at your own time. Nobody forced you, but you believe it is the best way to serve your people. I value your decision.”
