The former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff has perfected plans to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his sack by the Supreme Court. At the time of filing this report, Sheriff was meeting with the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Oyegun at the Presidential Villa to formerly declare his intention to return to the party.
Vigil360 correspondents at the Villa reported that Sheriff arrived at the office of the Vice President about 3:30pm. Prof. Osinbajo however delayed the meeting until the arrival of Oyegun. The trio eventually started their meeting about 4:45pm.
Sheriff had stated that he was under pressure from APC stakeholders in Borno state to return to the APC, a claim that has been faulted by a coalition of APC stakeholders from the state. In a statement issued by the Chairman of the Borno APC Coalition, Maina Bashir in Abuja, the group said it was unaware of efforts to bring Sheriff back to the party stressing that the party was enjoying peace and would not want to rock its boat by admitting some elements who could destabilize the party.
“Firstly, we wish to state that we are not aware of any call or move by any person or group for the return of Sheriff to the APC. As committed members and stakeholders of the APC in all the 27 Local Governments of Borno State, we would have been aware of any sincere move or effort for the return of Sheriff to our Party, which he defected from at its greatest moment of need – just before the 2015 general elections."
“Secondly, the Borno State chapter of the APC is currently at peace, with no crisis whatsoever. This is because of the excellent leadership provided by the Governor of the State, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, which has allowed the party to bloom. We are wary of anyone joining the party, who is likely change this situation for the worse."
“Thirdly, while we may have no objection to Sheriff or any other person for that matter joining our party, we wish to state clearly that every returnee or potential new member must join from his or her ward. We do not want ‘Abuja politicians’ with no substance at home in our Party."
“Finally, if the speculation is true that Sheriff has indeed eaten the humble pie and with his tail between his legs, wants to return to the APC, he should go to his Ngala, his town and register with his ward chairman. If Sheriff does not have the details Ward Chairman, we will gladly supply him,” the statement added.
