Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, according to the presidential spokesperson, Femi Adesina, was at the Presidential Villa, accompanied by some APC officials, to see President Muhammadu Buhari.
Femi Fani-Kayode, (FFK) a former Aviation Minister has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His defection was disclosed by Femi Adesina’s official Facebook page on Thursday, showing the former minister flanked by APC officials in Aso Rock. This defection came after months of speculations and denials.
Here is an excerpt of FFK’s statement:
“…well why not? the point is that…I felt that this was the appropriate time to do the right thing, to put Nigeria first, and to appreciate the efforts that have been made, particularly in the last couple of years in terms of security fighting insurgency, fighting terrorism, and most importantly is the appreciation of the fact that we must remain one as a nation, build bridges, work together to move the country forward. The efforts of the governor of Yobe State, the governor of Zamfara state, the governor of Kogi, and a number of others in their respective States, and in moving this country forward and helping Mr. President to move this country forward, cannot be ignored and it’s very very important for us to the fact that when we see that there are good things that are happening.
We appreciate those good things. It is not always negative and when the time is right, we change direction to join forces and join hands to move the country forward, and doing this doesn’t mean we are enemies to anybody. All of us, even if another party the PDP or any other party or any other group, we can still work together across party lines, regional lines, religious lines, the most important thing is for us to understand and appreciate the fact that Nigeria must not disintegrate, and those that want us to end up fighting one another in a war will be put to shame. There are people that think like that and that is what informed me to come here to meet Mr. President, he was very gracious. He was very good to me today, spoke so well and it’s an honor for me to be here and we will move the country forward together.
About what the PDP thinks of his Defection? Well, that’s left to them. I have many many friends in the PDP if you remember in 2013. I was actually one of those that formed the APC until there were few issues and I went back to PDP but I think it’s an individual thing. As a party of course they may not be too happy, but I have no enemies there and I have nothing negative to save anybody there. I believe in moving the country forward together with everybody that believes in Nigeria I want Nigeria to progress, and I also believe that we must recognize the fact that there are two more years for this administration or thereabouts.
We must come together to make sure we survive it. We must come together to make sure Nigeria is a better place as we must work together regardless of party formation, but whatever they say whatever you choose to say, it’s entirely up to them, I have many friends there.
Let’s hope that they don’t feel too bad about it, but we’re all Nigerians there are many many people I miss. You ask my friend and brother Matawalle here there are many people within the PDP who really do want to come over to the APC, I can tell you that I was there and very instrumental. When you have neither did the same thing I was very instrumental when my friend’s brother got relegated, the same thing and there are many many others some of the most.
Remarkable men in this country are still within the ranks of the PDP, it is our job to try to win them over now. Somebody like (if I do not mind me messaging him), something like the Governor of Enugu state, of course, my good friend, the government body is still a great friend of mine and I sincerely hope that they too may end up coming in this direction. They do not know the most important thing is that we work together as a people, as a country. Let’s move the country to the fight and kill the terrorists and put to shame the following elements and I emphasize that word – elements. They want us to end up fighting one another this country and Sonya country into a refugee camp as you for criticizing a piece in the past and now you say that the only thing in life. The only constant thing is like he’s changed.
You know you can’t hold me with what I’ve said in the past of circumstances and I will always both of security argument the logic for me the primary course today and let me say this, there’s no way I will renege on my fundamental core values and principles anybody that knows. I believe in certain things, how the country should be moved forward. I’ll fight for that from within this party to ensure it’s done.
I believe in fairness and equity but the most important thing for us today is we must not let our country fall apart based on disagreement and misunderstanding among one another. I recognize that is very close to war and other people don’t know this and God forbid. We should go into that we come together by criticizing me for that. It’s their right to do so I don’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings, but I’d need a choice. I believe I’m in Love by the spirit of God and I will find the corner and fight what I believe is right this party at I would anyway. I will never give up on my core values and principles.
Thank you.
