The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State has mocked Emmanuel Uduaghan for returning to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under whose platform he was a two-term governor of the state.
Uduaghan defected to the PDP on Monday.
In a statement, APC said the ex-governor would not be missed because his acceptance in the party was merely an act of compassion for his status as an orphaned politician abandoned by the same PDP he just returned to.
The party also described the ex-governor as a “loner”, in the statement signed by its state Publicity Secretary, Sylvester Imonina, on Monday.
According to APC, “In the past two weeks, there have been rumours of perfection of plans by the former Governor to defect to the PDP. Today, the 28th of September, 2020, those behind the rumour have been justified by the formal defection by him to the PDP.
“Well, for records purpose, Gov. Uduaghan came into APC as a loner, and he has returned to where he came from in the same way.
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“In politics and in line with freedom of association as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, he has the right to choose whosoever to associate with for whatever reasons.
“However, he should not forget the fact that when the PDP was uninhabitable for him, he was housed by Delta APC, despite the fact that he did not come to APC with anybody.”
Meanwhile, the PDP in Delta celebrated Uduaghan’s return to its fold through a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ifeanyi Osuoza.
The party described the ex-governor’s return as “timely and a sort of homecoming”.
“We are excited that our former governor is back home. Politics is about the people. Recent political developments in Nigeria have also shown that power and relevance comes from the people.
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“The Uduaghan we know is not unmindful of this fact; this is in addition to the fast-changing political atmosphere in the country.
“As a political party, we fully appreciate the fact that his return journey back home may also not be unconnected with the desire to be reunited with his friends, political soul mates and supporters.
“However, it is gratifying to note that our great party is again making deep and appreciable inroads into the political space. Our inclusive politics, consensus-building disposition, egalitarianism, good governance records, patriotism and all the qualities that distinguish us from others, are already speaking for us.
“Therefore, we are very happy to welcome our former governor and all the returning Party members back into our fold. We also welcome new members and we promise to be fair to all as we prepare to rebuild our battered country,” the statement read.