By Lucas Miller, Abuja
A former Independent Democrat presidential candidate, Hon. Edozie Madu , on Tuesday, threw his weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s government by joining the All Progressive Congress
Hon. Madu who hails from Anambra state and until his defection served as the national chairman of Independent Democrat, said in a statement he has directed members, ward, Local Government, State And National Executive Committee members of the Independent Democrats across Nigeria to register with the All Progressives Party as agreed by the NEC
The former presidential aspirant said Buhari’s excellent performance in infrastructure and leadership informed his decision to re-connect his people back to the centre of Nigerian politics.
The full statement reads, “After due consultations with my family, political associates, supporters and leadership of the Independent Democrats(ID), I wish to announce my decision to officially join the All Progressives Congress(APC)
“Having been the National Chairman of two different political parties in Nigeria, the Congress for Democratic Change(CDC) and Independent Democrats(ID) where i emerged as its candidate for the 2019 Presidential election, i have come to the conclusion that the time is ripe to join hands with fellow Progressives in moving the nation forward.
“Since the return to democracy in 1999, no administration has impacted on the lives of Nigerians more than the Muhammadu Buhari led APC government.
“From 2015 till date, the APC government has taken bold and difficult steps in setting the nation on the right path.
“Various Federal Government initiatives such as the Anchor Borrowers Programme, Trader and market money, the central bank provision of funds for cotton farmers, the ban on importation of foreign rice leading to increase in local production , the ongoing agricultural revolution in the country have emerged as visionary interventions. The effect of these laudable programs are clearly felt during the covid-19 lockdown.
“Politics, they say is local. The unprecedented infrastructural development going on in the south east such as the construction of the the second niger bridge, Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu- PortHarcourt expressways, Rehabilitation of Akanu Ibiam airport, Enugu and many other Federal Government projects in the South-East are commendable.
“These projects have finally left the pages of newspapers where they were confined to by previous administrations.
“Having performed better than previous administrations with regards to infrastructural developments in the South- East, it is imperative that conscious efforts are made to re-connect our people back to the center of Nigerian politics where we rightly belong.
“I have come to the conclusion that i will best serve my people by joining hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in his effort to bring development to the door steps of Nigerians.
“I have to put the interest of our country first. Nigeria deserves all that we can do to help rebuild it and serve our people better.
“I have also directed all members, ward, Local Government, State And National Executive Committee members of the Independent Democrats across Nigeria to register with the All Progressives Party as agreed by the NEC. God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”