Twelve of the 30-member Sokoto State House of Assembly have declared their loyalty to the All Progressives Congress and President Muhammadu Buhari.
The lawmakers stated this in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday afternoon.
“We reiterate our commitment and loyalty to the APC led government under President Muhammadu Buhari,” they said in the statement.
Their announcement follows the decision of the Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the APC.
While announcing his defection on Wednesday, Mr Tambuwal accused the Muhammadu Buhari administration of incompetence and failure to deliver on campaign promises.
The decision of the 12 lawmakers indicates Mr Tambuwal, who is believed to be eyeing the PDP presidential ticket, enjoys the support of a majority 18 lawmakers of the Sokoto assembly.
The 18 members on Wednesday joined Mr Tambuwal in defecting from the APC to the PDP.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Speaker, Salihu Maidaji, who was among the 18 defecting members, made the announcement at the Assembly plenary on Wednesday.
Mr Maidaji said: “We the undersigned 18 members of the Sokoto State House of Assembly belong and identify with the faction of the APC-led by one of its founders, Alhaji Buba Galadima.
“We are aware that all efforts to bring sanity into the APC and unite the different groups, camps and faction have proved abortive.
“This after several attempts and efforts and the election is around the corner and we stand in danger if we remained in a party that is divided against itself.
“As such in accordance with the letters and spirit Section 109 (1) (g) of the constitution as amended hereby defect to PDP forthwith,” the Speaker said.
Reacting to the resolution by the 18 members, the other 12 members at a press briefing after the plenary wished them well in their new party.
Sani Yakubu (APC-Gudu), who spoke on their behalf, said that the 12 members would continue to remain committed and loyal to the APC-led government under President Muhammadu Buhari. (Premium Times)
