Former Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Gombe State, Maikano Umar, explained why he abandoned the main opposition party to join the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). He made the disclosure on Friday, shortly after photos of him with Governor Muhammadu Yahaya went viral, indicating his defection ahead of the forthcoming elections to support the ruling party’s bid to retain power.
Umar’s resignation was detailed in a letter obtained by our correspondent. He cited a lack of direction from his party and its governorship candidate, Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, as the primary reason for his departure. “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party and my position as the Gombe State Chairman of the party, effective today, 3 January 2023,” the letter read. “In light of the above, I hereby formally announce my decision to join the All Progressives Congress. My decision to join the APC is due to the lack of political focus, leadership direction and a clear blueprint by the governorship candidate, Hon. Khamisu Mailantarki, as to how he will move Gombe State forward and address its challenges if elected.”
Umar described his former candidate’s campaign promises as mere rhetoric, emphasizing that the APC is a party for patriotic and focused individuals. “I cannot be where rhetoric and lies take centre stage at campaigns and political engagements rather than a roadmap and blueprint for governance and development,” he wrote. He praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya as a “focused and visionary leader championing the cause of development in Gombe State, providing good governance and democratic dividends.” In contrast, Umar argued, “The APC is a party for reasonable and patriotic people focusing on development rather than hoodwinking the electorate with rhetoric and lies.” He said he would provide further insights in due course.
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