A statement by Kebbi state governor and Chairman of the PGF, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
The Forum also attributed Governor Matawalle’s action to his conviction on the leadership qualities of President Muhammadu Buhari, whose ‘exceptional political virtues, and fair dispositions makes our party, APC, attractive to all patriotic Nigerians.”
The statement read in part, “We welcome Hon. Matawalle for taking the courageous decision of leaving the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to join the All Progressives Congress. The movement of Hon. Matawalle to the APC demonstrates his principles, commitment and conviction to the development of Nigeria. Hon. Matawalle is only coming home where he belongs. APC is indeed the party that will provide him and his people, and indeed all Nigerians the viable platform for political aspirations and negotiations. Together with Hon. Matawalle and all our leaders in the APC, our party’s capacity to serve the collective interests of all Nigerians through effective representation will be strengthened and reinforced.
“Our party is open to all Nigerians who are committed to the progress of our country. We, in the Forum, shall continue to mobilise and welcome all those who have a shared vision of supporting President Muhammadu Buhari and the party’s agenda to consolidate the progress made and further unify our fellow patriots across the country. We urge all party leaders and members to continue mobilisation and welcome all those who join us. Our party is equitable, and its strength lies in the appreciation of all Nigerians.
” APC represent the future of Nigerian democracy, which is all about negotiations, consultations and winning agreements.
“Processes of negotiations and consultations will continue to serve as the basis of engagement with all leaders, members and by extension all Nigerians in line with provisions of our party’s constitution and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended. The guiding philosophy as enshrined in the provisions of our manifesto will produce landmark agreements that would facilitate economic, social and political development of Nigeria.” The statement said.