Nigerians from diverse backgrounds, at the weekend, clashed over the announcement by a former minister of Agriculture and Water Resources, Alhaji Mukhtar Shagari that he has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While a few took exceptions to the move claiming that it was based on a personal interest, others said the former deputy governor of Sokoto State has the inalienable rights under the law to determine his political affiliation.
It should be recalled that Shagari was among the aspirants that kicked against the alleged manipulation of the PDP primary conducted to determine the standard-bearer of the party for last March governorship election.
On his Twitter handle, Mukhtar Shehu Shagari @MukhtarShagari, had declared on Saturday that, “I am now in APC, In Sha Allah.”
In response to a text message sent by the Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday, for him to clarify his decision to defect to APC, Shagari simply replied: “It is true I have moved to APC, but I do not intend to make any statement at the moment.”
Many Twitter users were at each other’s jugular over the action of the ex-minister, with some saying it was regrettable that he could dump PDP despite being one of the party’s chieftains since 1998.
One Samaila Mamman Garu said: “Actually it’s not about the party you belong to. It’s about you. It will do better if you would take time to evaluate your political outings personally.”
In reply, Shagari tweeted: “I appreciate you. Before you jump to conclusions know the facts. I have been in PDP since 1998, if I decided to move out, you should try and find out why. If you want to be just, then you must hear my own side of the story. PDP is not my religion (Islam).”
Another Twitter user, Olatunji O. R. wanted to know if Shagari, who sought the governorship ticket for the last general election, informed PDP presidential candidate in the February 25 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the party before defecting the decision.
Shagari responded: “Olatunji, when I joined PDP and worked hard to spread it everywhere in Sokoto State, I did not take permission from anybody.”
He also remarked that for those “who have supported my decision, I appreciate them. For those who have jumped to negative and politically motivated biased conclusions without knowing the facts, I forgive them.”
Another Twitter user, Isamil@AhmadGumel2, wrote: “Sir, what will APC offer you? PDP made you famous in Nigeria by appointing you minister during OBJ.”
But Danlami Ibrahim2dnlmibrahimb declared: “You are highly welcome sir. We appreciate your coming sir., while Mahdi Shehu @shehu_mahdi stated sarcastically: “We await your moving to LP, NNPP, PRP, AA, so that you will belong everywhere.”
But in defence of the former minister, Ethelbert okereke@Ethelbert2, said: “Your Excellency, your journey with the PDP has been a tortuous one. Your sacrifices, commitment and loyalty were taken for granted. They mistook your gentle mien and disposition for weakness. The PDP sacrificed you so many times yet you were forgiving and tolerant .”
OrthoExpert @ganiaremu noted: “I’ve followed you for years from Minister of Water Resources to OBJ to deputy governor (you actually won the guber ticket) all under PDP. You’ve been a loyal party member. I believe that in due time, your admirers deserve to know why you took this decision. Best of luck sir!’
Similarly, Mallam Sidi @side_hussaini noted: “What a bad news…one of the most trusted and party loyalists has finally decamped. I didn’t expect you to change your mind just easily like this…u have gone a lot so far, and I don’t think there is anything that will make u make decisions but God knows what’s best.”
One Johnson 2 @idokojay said: “when a place is good, you take all the ‘nonsense’ in that place and remain. But if bad there, the least issue will become an opportunity to jet out.”
Described by some as one of the finest leaders of our time by StOnEofDavid@ Yojukunle, another tweeter user, Last Number @Ishaqkural said: “Transfer window is still open. May this decision benefit your state.”
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