The Governor of Niger State, Dr. Mu’azu Banagida Aliyu, on Tuesday refuted claims that he planned dumping the Peoples Democratic Party for the All Progressives Congress.
Aliyu said at the time he led the G-7, the objective was to resolve leadership problem in the PDP.
Aliyu’s reaction was contained in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Israel Ebije, in response to a statement credited to Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State, claiming he was privy to the G-7 decision to decamp to APC.
Aliyu said the aim of the G-7 was not to jettison the PDP.
He insisted it was aimed at bringing sanity to the party, adding that the objective of their action was proactive and the result was positive.
He said he would always respect members of the G-7 for their position against impunity in the party at that trying period.
He however maintained that the decision to leave for the APC was not on the agenda of the group but more of individual decision of members.
He said he has no regrets in leading a group that brought sanity to the PDP at a time the party was passing through difficulties.
He said their effort was indeed nationalistic and a reflection of maturity of Nigerian democracy.
According to Aliyu: “Let me state in categorical terms that I never discussed with the G-7 governors over issue of decamping to the APC. I led the group primarily to stabilize the PDP. At that time, the PDP was having challenges hinging on impunity which had to be addressed.
“Let me therefore intimate that based on principle, I never planned to abandon the PDP for another party. It is also important to note that the G-7 achieved its objective of repositioning the PDP which was at the time passing through leadership challenge, therefore I had no reason to leave, besides our effort brought the ruling party back on its feet.”
Governor Aliyu further stated that he will remain committed to the PDP and would work towards ensuring the party win in all elective positions in Niger State.
He added that the PDP remains the party to beat in the next general election.
