Again, former speaker Dogara dumps PDP, returns to APC

IMMEDIATE past Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has dumped the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and has returned to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

In line with this, he met with the President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja on Friday. 

Dogara was was led to the president’s office by the Chairman of APC Caretaker/National Planning Committee and Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, who apprised Buhari of the latest development in the ruling party. 

The former speaker did not speak when requested by State House correspondents.

But Buni, however, confirmed that the former speaker has become a member of the APC. 

He explained that the purpose of the visit was to pay a courtesy call on the President in continuation of their efforts to rebuild the party.

“We are here to see Mr. President, and brief him on the developments,” he said.

Apeaking on Dogara’s return to APC, Buni said, “(Nigerians) shouldn’t be surprised because the former speaker is a member of the APC, and the reason he left the APC is no more there. Yeah, he’s back.”

On the President’s reaction, he said, “He welcomed him. He’s happy with the development. That’s what he’s looking for. We are rebuilding the party and these are the steps we are taking towards rebuilding the party.”

He urged former members of the party to come back.

“Well, we are meeting all our aggrieved members particularly who have interest in coming back to the party. They should feel free to do so. We are assuring them and there is no crime in double assurance. 

“We will do justice to all our members and that’s what will bring peace and that is why will guarantee peaceful coexistence. That is what will bring the consolidation of the party, the rebuilding of the party. Without doing justice, you cannot achieve that and we are sure of doing justice to all our members,” he said.

On 2023 strategy, he added, “Well, of course, not only 2023 strategy, this party, we are rebuilding the party to outlive all of us. It’s not only about specific time or period, it’s not about election, it’s not about electioneering. It is about building a party.”