SDP CAMPAIGN ORGANISATION FIRES BACK AT APC OVER DIG ARI’S DEFECTION
“More APC members are coming; Nasarawa is set for a new dawn”
By Suleiman Abubakar Rimi Uku
The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Nasarawa State Chapter, and the Campaign Organisation of former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), have criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state over its reaction to the defection of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, DIG Mohammed Ari (Rtd), to the SDP.
The reaction was contained in a statement signed by High Chief Otaru Douglas, Director of Media and Strategic Communications of the campaign organisation.
The organisation described
comments attributed to the Commissioner for Works,
Transport and Housing over Ari’s defection as “unguarded, infantile and sorrowful lamentation,” while arguing that the development was a major political setback for the APC.
According to the statement, the SDP sympathises with the APC over what it described as the political pains caused by Ari’s defection, while welcoming what it called the growing movement of “men and women of good conscience” from the ruling party to the SDP.
The campaign organisation described Ari’s defection as a “political earthquake,” saying it represented what it regarded as a clear indication that the APC had lost credibility and moral authority to continue leading Nasarawa State.
It also condemned the alleged description of DIG Ari as a “mole,” arguing that the retired police officer served the country for 35 years and retired with honours and distinction.
The statement said both former IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu and DIG Mohammed Ari remained relevant figures whose records of public service, according to the campaign organisation, could not be diminished by political attacks or name-calling.
The SDP campaign organisation further challenged the Works Commissioner to account for his stewardship in government, alleging that issues of probity, accountability and justice should be addressed by public office holders.
It also criticised the Commissioner’s continued political activities in his constituency, alleging that the APC administration had failed to meet the expectations of the people through what it described as years of “oppression, suppression, failed promises and anti-people policies.”
The organisation maintained that Nasarawa politics should be centred on the welfare, security and future of the people rather than what it described as blackmail and name-calling.
It further claimed that retired and serving police officers in the state were seeking dignity and reform and would express their choice at the ballot box.
The statement welcomed DIG Ari to the SDP, declaring: “The floodgates are open. More from the APC are coming.”
The campaign organisation concluded by declaring that Nasarawa State was “set for a new dawn,” insisting that, in its view, no amount of reaction from the APC would stop the political movement it claimed was gathering momentum across the state.
