A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship aspirant in Kano State, Salihu Sagir Takai, has disclosed his reasons for finally dumping his longtime political ally, former governor Ibrahim Shekarau who had recently defected to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Recall that Mr Takai, shortly after dumping Mr Shekarau, had paid allegiance to the Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso-backed state caretaker committee of the PDP led by Rabiu Sulaiman Bichi.
Giving his reasons for dumping Mr Shekarau, the governorship aspirant, through a statement on Tuesday, said: “After extensive consultations with my supporters, admirers, well-wishers, party faithful at different levels including aspirants to various elective offices, it was clear that majority wanted us to remain in the PDP and as a democrat, I have no option than to heed to the opinion of the majority by remaining in the party.”
According to him, the decision took him more than four days of consultation with supporters on the state of affairs in the party in the state since the dissolution of the state executives by the national working committee of the party and the subsequent defection of some members led by Mr Shekarau.
“For the past four days, we have undertaken extensive consultations with various segments of the good people of Kano on whether to remain in the PDP or defect to APC.
“We consulted our state, local government, ward committees and coordinators throughout the state, PDP spirants for National and State House of Assemblies, various support groups, community-based organisations such as religious groups, the business community, community leaders, elders, youth, women and others.
“I hereby report that the outcome of these consultations showed that majority wanted us to remain in the PDP. In view of this opinion of the overwhelming majority, I hereby announce to the people of Kano State that I alongside my teaming supporters hereby remain in the PDP.
“At the same time continue with my aspiration of becoming the next governor of Kano State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP comes 2019,” Mr Takai noted.
Mr Takai who was the state governorship candidate of the PDP during the 2015 general elections was also commissioner of Water Resources and later of Local government during the eight-year tenure of Mr Shekarau in the state.
