Dogara dumps APC for PDP, after declaring support for Atiku

• Dogara dumped APC after  declaring his support for Atiku
• Wike criticized the ex-Speaker for backing Atiku, claiming that Dogara had insisted on Nigeria’s presidential seat returning to southern Nigeria

Yakubu Dogara, a former House Speaker, has dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP after declaring support for PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar.

As the Northern Elders Consultative Forum, which includes the Christian leaders in the All Progressives Congress in the North, formally adopted Atiku on Friday, this came after several months of political tinkering.

But the endorsement did not go down well with Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, who also contested the May 28 PDP presidential primary election against Atiku but lost to the ex-Vice President.

Wike criticized the ex-Speaker for backing Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid, claiming that Dogara had insisted on Nigeria’s presidential seat returning to southern Nigeria as against his most recent support for Atiku from the northern region.

“What I don’t like in life is people that don’t have character. I can’t stand it. At the appropriate time, I would challenge them to a debate. Ask Dogara: what made you leave PDP?” the governor asked on Monday.

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“Dogara was to see me; unknown to me, he gave me an excuse and I was watching Dogara on TV being received by President Muhammadu Buhari that he has gone to APC. I say ‘Okay, no problem’. The same Dogara said the presidency should be zoned to southern Nigeria for there to be peace. Now, I hear about the same Dogara (backing Atiku from the north). Is that how you do things? Can’t you say something and stand by it?”

On December 2, the group consisting of Christian and Muslim religious and political leaders in the north said after evaluation of all the presidential candidates that Atiku is “the best”.

“It is evident that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading for implosion and extinction; hence, it cannot be the party for now and in the future, because of its rejection to embrace inclusiveness in a diverse country like Nigeria. After the 2023 elections, APC may be dead and buried as a political party,” the group said.

“While the duo (NNPP and LP) may emerge as strong contenders in the political arena in the future, from all indications, PDP appears to be the best option to adopt and support.

“All it takes is to sustain and tackle some of the problems and challenges this country faces.

“Certainly, with proper consultations and inclusive appointments, which is mindful of the federal character principle with a sincere consideration of diverse issues such as religious affiliation, geographical location, and ethnic identity, which many believe will enhance justice, fairness and equity, after a careful evaluation of all the issues highlighted above, we now recommend the adoption of the PDP to all lovers of democracy in Nigeria for the 2023 presidential election.”