- Safiu Kehinde
Vice President Kashim Shettima has labelled the mass defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Delta state as a political tsunami that has never happened in the history of Nigeria.
Shettima made the remark on Monday during the official acceptance of the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other stakeholders of the state who defected from the opposition party.
The Vice President described the mass defection mass defection as a testament of the APC’s unity and enduring promises despite heavy criticism.
“What testimony could be greater than the promise of this day? A political tsunami of unimaginable proportion that has never happened in the history of the South-South sub-region. And definitely in the history of this country, a tsunami of this proportion has never happened.
“All the members of the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly are in the APC- the Speaker and so many members of the National Assembly.
“The Governor and his cabinet and over 500 Councillors across the 35 local government areas of this great state. What testimony do you have greater than this?
“The true nature of a political party lies not in the enthusiasm of its members but in the conviction it inspires amongst those who stood apart from them.
“This indication is even more fundamental when opponents cross the line of difference to become part of the enduring family we have built.
“This historic day therefore is a celebration of the enduring promise of the APC.
“So many predictions have been written about us as though we an experiment doomed to fail. Some of these predictions were harboured by critics who have never managed even a community union and by individuals who allowed their personal opinions to override the collective choices of the party.
“The APC’s triumph over this promise of doom has never been cloaked in mystery. It is the simple truth that has played out in the last couple of days. That is why we are here, our unshaken believe in the power of collaboration.” Shettima said.
He further noted that what set the APC apart fo other parties is its admittance of its members differences and ability to manage them.
The Vice President officially welcomed Oborevwori, Okowa, and new members.
He maintained that they have become co-owner of the APC.
“The understanding that we are stronger together and we can never be apart. In the APC, we believe that those who mistake their shadows for institutions are usually doomed. What sets the APC apart is our acceptance that our differences are inevitable and that greatness lies in managing them.
“Our tables have always been tables of dialogue, places where every member, no matter how small, is welcomed to here their grievances.
“Your excellency Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and other great men and women we welcome to the APC today, I bring with me the warm assurance of his excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) and all members of the APC that you are not just in this house, you are now co-owners.” Shettima added.
Also present at the event held in Asaba were APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, all state governors under the party, and other stakeholders.