Abuja – Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) underscores fractures within opposition parties, attributing the governing party’s magnetism to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inclusive leadership.
In a statement at a grand reception in Enugu welcoming Governor Peter Mbah, his cabinet, and supporters into the APC, Vice President Shettima represented President Tinubu, describing the move as a testament to APC’s compelling vision. “Much has been said about the ongoing wave of defections to our great party. What the opposition has failed to do is look into the mirror to ask why the APC remains the preferred destination of Nigeria’s most visionary political actors,” Shettima said.
Shettima noted APC’s strength lies in bridges built on trust accommodating diverse interests, contrasting with visible cracks in opposition structures. “Their departures are not accidents; they reveal the cracks in the walls they built and the strength of the bridges we have constructed,” Shettima observed, highlighting President Tinubu’s capacity to listen fostering APC’s stature as Africa’s formidable party.
Kashim Shettima lauded Governor Mbah’s decision as extraordinary endorsement of APC’s collective vision, playfully suggesting Mbah had concealed a broom – APC’s symbol – in his former party’s umbrella. “You had a broom hidden in your umbrella all these years, waiting for the right moment to bring it out,” Shettima said humorously welcoming Mbah.
APC National Chairman Prof Nentawe Yilwatda hailed Mbah’s joining as entry into “the soul and family of the Progressives; the APC,” thanking him for boldly leading people to promised land via APC. President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio commended Mbah transforming Enugu within two years; House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas called reception historic Enugu milestone signaling Southeast tilt progressives.
Governor Mbah termed APC Africa’s largest party; defection collective state political family decision ending sideline politics. Progressive Governors Forum Chairman Hope Uzodinma welcomed Mbah believing APC gains Southeast backing President Tinubu.
Shettima affirmed APC determination remain progressives’ home; Kashim Shettima underscored Mbah now leads APC Enugu carrying challenge rebuilding party state/nationally with presidential support.
