The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, formally confirmed his defection to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by returning his Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja on Thursday.
Dogara, who represents Bogoro/Dass/Tafawa Balewa Federal Constituency, was elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.
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Earlier today, I was at the @OfficialPDPNig national secretariat to submit my nomination and expression of interest forms. pic.twitter.com/wk3gYU1wFo
— Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara (@YakubDogara) September 20, 2018
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Dogara had last Thursday disclosed that he was presented with the PDP forms by his constituents but added that he would not fill the forms until he had consulted with some of his supporters that remained within the APC.
He said, “Earlier today (September 13), I was presented with the PDP House of Representatives nomination form by my constituents.
“They urged me to relinquish membership of the ruling APC & stated reasons such as the blatant injustice and outright disregard for democratic principles being perpetrated within the party.
“That there have been infractions isn’t news, but what I have kept from the public – until this moment – is that even while reconciliation efforts were on, I was told to beg for a ticket if I wished to return to the House of Representatives.
“Representing my people has been an honour and no one should have to suffer the indignity of begging before being allowed to exercise a constitutional right.
“I had even considered stepping aside as I’ve held this position for close to 12 years but as my constituents have asked that I seek re-election, then I must heed their call.
“I feel deeply honoured by this kind gesture; however, I will not fill this form until I have consulted with those supporters who remain in APC. I thank my people for their unwavering support so far, and remain unshaken in my belief that all power belongs to God.”
But the speaker today announced that he had filled and returned the forms to the PDP national secretariat.
He said, “Earlier today (Thursday, September 20), I was at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national secretariat to submit my nomination and expression of interest forms.”