Describing his move as a “carefully considered decision”, Ribadu encouraged his supporters to understand and accept his defection. “I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party,” Ribadu said. “But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling. I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations."
Ribadu also assured readers that the defection was not a malicious maneuver against the APC, instead for honest causes. He also alleged that he did not make any statements previously attributed to him attacking members of his former party. “My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party," he wrote. "I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honorable ways of resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection. I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange.”
Yesterday, Ribadu, who defected formally this past Saturday, was reported to have collected interest and nomination forms to contest in the Adamawa gubernatorial race, which holds on October 11. Possibly hinting at this ambition, he claimed today that the next step in his political career would be aired soon, saying, "As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time."
Read the full statement below.
My good friends, I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party. But I must assure you that it’s a carefully considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling. I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations.
Let me quickly make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso…These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.
My defection shouldn’t be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with my good friends in another party. I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honorable ways of resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection. I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange.
As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time. For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section. Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful. I’ll never let you down on this new path.
Thank you!
Nuhu Ribadu
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