The All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost Faruku Malami Yabo, the Nigerian ambassador to Jordan and Iran, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Malami, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member, ran for Sokoto State governor in 2019 and again in 2023.
The former commissioner of finance and local government affairs from the administration of Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko announced his defection during a PDP rally in Yabo, his local government.
He said to the large crowd that he was leaving his previous political party because he wanted to collaborate with those who shared his beliefs and goals for the future of his state.
“This decision was not mine alone but, it became the best option for us, in retrospect of our commitment and investment in APC. I therefore enjoined my supporters across the state to see reason with us and move en masse into PDP.”
Meanwhile, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State, who serves as director general of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organization, has claimed that the opposition political party is stockpiling funds to buy votes in the upcoming elections next month.
In an address to party members at a campaign rally for the state, Tambuwal said that the opposition party (which he did not name) is planning to use funds stolen by its members while serving the country to acquire voters’ cards illegally.
“I have information that those in the other party are collecting people’s PVCs. Please do not give them your voter’s card. They know that, God willing, they have failed the elections, which is why they are trying to collect your PVCs. If they collect your voter’s card, they will return them to you. And, on voting day, it would be difficult for you to vote without your PVCs.
“So, you should not allow anyone to deceive you. These federal government officials have stolen from you to disenfranchise you, yet they did not pay security personnel to protect you or your property. They have brought you insecurity and want to buy your votes. They are amassing money for this purpose.
“If they bring the money, collect it from them and vote for the PDP at all levels.”
While campaigning for Malam Sa’idu Umar, the PDP candidate for state governor, Tambuwal promised to see through all of the initiatives begun during his tenure.
Malam Sa’idu Umar, the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate, thanked voters for their support of the party in his speech.
“We are not particularly here for the electioneering campaign, but to thank you for your support to us in 2019; and your backing since we kick started this campaign.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the achievements of the Tambuwal government while also promising to build upon them.