Shuaibu Miqati, Chairman, Kaduna State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Appeal and Reconciliation Committee, has described the defections of some prominent chieftains of the party in Kaduna to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), as “a sad and worrisome development.”
On Saturday, 50 prominent members of PDP in Kaduna state were received into the APC by Governor Uba Sani.
Some of the decampees include a former governor of the state, Ramalan Yero, Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Danjuma Laah, four serving federal lawmakers, and three members of the state assembly among several others.
Reacting on the development in an interview on Sunday in Kaduna, Miqati noted that, although there are a number of issues in the PDP, it is not sufficient reason for people to jump ship, more so that an appeal and reconciliation committee had been inaugurated to resolve the them.
“It is indeed a very sad and most worrisome development. While there indeed issues as regards a number of events like party congresses and primary elections leading to the emergence of flag bearers in the last Local Governments elections, it is not sufficient a reason for people to jump ship more so that an Appeal and Reconciliation Committee has been inaugurated by the PDP”, he said.
According to Miqat, “The committee has commenced work immediately and in ernest with maximum support of party elders and leaders.
“While people may have reasons to change their affiliation to a party, disagreements, differences, and challenges are customary and necessary in any gathering of people no matter the level of homogenuity.
“This is what is essential for people to bear in mind. It is a painful loss, but such is life, and life is not constant.”
He, however, said the PDP could have done better if the congresses were held slightly in better condition, circumstances, and processes.
He added that reaching out early to aggrieved party members as well as addressing the grievances of party faithfuls would have stemmed the tide of decamping.
“Politics is dynamic and change just as challenge is permanent feature. You will see more defections from the APC to PDP soon.
“Be ready, be prepared, and watch out with care and calmness for the unfolding scenarios.
“If care is not taken, history would repeat itself. In 2014, a number of people left the PDP, and a handful of these people were back to the party. We live to see, “Miqati said.
