Why I Dumped APC, Explains Saraki’s Chief Of Staff

Mr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the Chief of Staff to the President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, has explained why he defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Baba-Ahmed announced his defection from the APC while addressing journalist in Kaduna State on Monday.

Describing the move as a difficult one, the Senate President’s Chief of Staff said, “This statement is to inform the public of my resignation from APC. I have sent a formal letter to this effect to the chairman of my ward.”

Baba-Ahmed told reporters that he reached the decision to leave the APC after due consultation with the Akida faction of the ruling party in Kaduna.

He based his defection on gross ‘under-performance’ by the President Muhammadu Buhari government.

“This has been a very difficult decision, to leave a party I helped to form and made my humble contributions to put in power.

“After three years, however, I need to say that the APC has grossly under-performed and has forfeited any claim to my loyalty and continue membership.

“I do not believe in all conscience, that it should be trusted and encouraged to continue to govern our great country beyond 2019.

“I am not leaving to join another party. This is my decision and mine alone. It has nothing to do with the president of the Senate Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki.

“It’s a decision taken after due consultations with Akida Group, a group that has predated my appointment as chief of staff to the President of the Senate.

“I will remain active in politics, as this is the main avenue for salvaging our nation from rising insecurity, poverty and bitter divisions,” he said.