A former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has denied reports that he has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying he has not joined the ruling party despite the decision of his supporters to align with it.
Bafarawa said he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) many months ago and had since remained politically independent, explaining that the reports of his defection were based on actions taken by his supporters without his direct involvement.
“I resigned from the PDP several months ago,” he said, adding that he had made his position public and stepped back from partisan politics.
- Boko Haram abducts newly elected Biu LG vice chairman, two councillors
- FRSC to prosecute people live streaming while driving
He explained that the latest development followed the desire of his supporters, particularly those seeking elective positions, to move to another political platform ahead of the next elections.
“My own people are not tired of politics,” he said, adding that many of them wanted to participate and contest elections.
Bafarawa said he allowed them to make their political choices.
“Whatever they decide, I will support their movement,” he said.
He stressed, however, that he personally had not joined the APC and had no intention of doing so.
“For me to say I am APC, I have a problem,” he said.
He explained that the reports linking him to the APC emerged after his supporters held a press conference and announced their movement to the ruling party.
“They heard the news and made the declaration themselves,” he said, adding that the announcement was made by the chairman of the movement.
Bafarawa said he had no plans to join the APC or participate in its activities.
Speaking on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, the former governor warned that the continued weakening of opposition parties posed a serious threat to democratic governance.
