John Shiklam in Kaduna
A chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Kaduna State Isa Ashiru has withdrawn his membership from the party.
In a letter to his Kudan ward chairman of the party, Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Ashiru, who lost the APC governorship ticket to Governor Nasir el-Rufai in 2014, said the party lacks cohesion and internal democracy.
He said after losing the governorship ticket, he and his supporters worked relentlessly to ensure victory for the APC, believing that the welfare of the people of Kaduna State would occupy the front burner of the government, noting that the APC has failed to bring about the change it promised the people.
Ashiru, a former member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and two-term member of both the state House of Assembly and House of Representatives, said he and his supporters were sidelined after working to bring the party to power.
Ashiru said: “When I picked my APC membership card with Reg No. KADIKUD/01000001 dated 12/2/2014 from your good office, I honestly believed that I was joining a movement that would positively change, for good, not only the way we play politics in our state but also our people’s perception of it.
“This explains why even after my unsuccessful attempt to fly the party’s flag at the 2015 gubernatorial elaction, my supporters and and I gave our support to ensure the success of the party at the polls, believing that in the short, medium and long term, not only would our contribution be acknowledged and appreciated, but more importantly the interest and welfare of the people of Kaduna State would occupy the front burner of the government to be formed.
“Sadly however, it is on record that after all the contributions that my associates and I
made towards the growth of the party as well as its success at the polls, we have, to
date, not been recognised as true party members.
“Apart from deliberately side-lining us from party affairs, we have also been snubbed and denied recognition by the government we laboured hard to put in place despite the attendant risk we took at that time.
“As it is at the moment, the party All Progressive Congress (APC) lacks cohesion, internal party democracy, the feelings and yearnings of all members and supporters, except privileged few especially in Kaduna State.
“Chairman, this is quite at variance with my style as well as the essence of my being in politics.
“Therefore, I am no longer comfortable to remain in the party, hence the decision to withdraw my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with effect from 7th June, 2018.”
He did not however disclose where he would pitch his tent, but there are speculations that he may be returning to the PDP to contest for the governorship in 2019.
