President Muhammadu Buhari says the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not based on personal gain but on principle.
The president said this via a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
“I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion,” he said.
“Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”
He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”
Read full statement below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT BUHARI PRAISES UMAHI’S DEFECTION, SAYS IT’S BASED ON PRINCIPLE RATHER THAN COERCION
President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives.”
Reacting to the defection, President Buhari said: “I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”
According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”
He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.”
“Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many. I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions” President Buhari added.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
November 18, 2020
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