A former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Aliyu Modibbo, has defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Modibbo was a founding member of the PDP, which has ruled the country for 16 years.
The former minister registered to become a member of the APC last Saturday at the party’s office in his ward in Kumo West of Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Modibbo also served as Minister of State, Power and Steel as well as Minister of Commerce during the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.
Late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who succeeded Mr. Obasanjo in 2007, appointed him Minister of FCT.
Speaking shortly with reporters after his registration, Mr. Modibbo said he joined the APC in order to contribute to the success of President Muhammadu Buhari in his quest to change Nigeria for the better.
“This is the first time I am personally joining a political party, even though I served as minister three times under the PDP administration. All the appointments were based on merit,” he said.
He also said he deliberately delayed his joining the APC till now so that he would not be accused of seeking for an appointment in the administration of the new government.
He however, said he has always wanted to be in the APC.
He pledged to work with leaders of his new party in Gombe, such as former Governor Danjuma Goje, to unite all members of the APC in the state.
A report by Hausa medium, Rariya, on Saturday said although Mr. Modibbo did not signify any intention to seek for elective office, several persons within and outside the state have asked him to run for the office of governor in 2019.
The paper said many in the state were of the view that someone with his experience is needed to run the affairs of the state. It also said that was partly why his constituents requested him to join the APC.
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