Former governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, has described as false the news that the former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi was no longer with the coalition.
El-Rufai disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Thursday shortly after receiving over 600 defectors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kaduna.
The former governor said Obi remained an active and a very important member of the coalition, noting that since Labour Party was very strong in Anambra state he would continue to campaign for the party in the upcoming governorship elections later this year.
“I spoke with Peter Obi, what you said is not true, Obi is still with the coalition and we have agreed to support the campaign of the candidate in Anambra elections,” El-Rufai said.
While answering questions on the just concluded bye-elections in Kaduna state, the former FCT minister acknowledged the fact that the SDP had no structure and financial muscle to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He, however, accused the state government of vote buying and voter intimidation using hired political thugs from Kano state.
The ADC National Vice Chairman North-west, Malam Jafaru Sani acknowledged the contributions of the former Kaduna state governor towards the popularity of the ADC in Kaduna state and the entire northern region, he advised the youth to support the party as the major alternative to the ruling APC.
“A lot of people are joining ADC because of the antecedents and popularity of Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, he is a bridge builder and carries everyone along,” he said.
Speaking on unity within the coalition, he said that all the major stakeholders who intend to contest for the presidency under the coalition have agreed to support whoever emerges.
Also speaking at the event, former Kaduna state Commissioner for Finance Hon. Samaila Aliyu Makarfi thanked El-Rufai for his support.
He also admonished the defectors to support the leadership of the party and work towards its success for the overall progress of Nigeria.
“I urge the leadership of the party to carry all the defectors along so that together we can succeed. Women and youth have a big role to play in ensuring the success of ADC,” Makarfi said.
Other speakers at the event among whom were the conveners of the event and former PDP state youth leader, Aliyu Bello and former Kaduna State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hafsat Baba, as well as the National Youth Leader and the National Woman Leader all congratulated the youth for choosing the ADC which according to them is a party that loves women and youth.
Other ADC leaders present at the occasion were former SDP chairman, the Zamfara state ADC chairman, and a former commissioner for finance under the administration of El-Rufai, Malam Bashir Saidu, among others.