President Muhammadu Buhari has hailed Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi’s defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as “a bold move driven purely by principle rather than opportunistic motives”.
He said “in a country where principles are in short supply among many”, the Ebonyi governor’s courageous decision deserved commendation.
The president stated this Wednesday in a statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
Recall that Umahi alongside his cabinet dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s injustice to the South-East zone, and joined the APC.
Read Also: Genesis Prophet, Israel Ogundipe, jailed for fraud in Lagos
Umahi’s defection is scheduled to be formalised Thursday, November 19.
Reacting to the defection, Buhari said, “I am proud of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance with his conscience and principles rather than any external influence or coercion.”
According to the President, “Good governance is very important to us in the APC, and I’m glad that the governor has cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”
He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by performance records of parties and their candidates.
“Let me once again; commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are in short supply among many.
“I know people might call him names, but that is the price men of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience and convictions.”