Sambo denies dumping PDP for APC; says story fabricated “to achieve cheap political mileage”
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Former Vice President Namadi Sambo has denied reports of his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), and stated his resolve to remain in the party that lifted his status to number two citizen where he served five years.
Sambo was Vice under former President Godwin Jonathan from 2000 to 2015, first serving out the tenure of the late President Umar Yar’Adua up to 2011, and then serving in Jonathan’s own term up to 2015.
Sambo was picked as Vice President from his then-post of Kaduna Governor.
It was widely reported on Wednesday that he had defected to the APC, seemingly buttressed with a photograph of his with Kaduna Governor Uba Sani – creating the impression of being in line with the recent gale of defections from opposition parties to the ruling one.
However, Sambo refuted the reports in a statement issued through his Media Adviser, Umar Sani, who countered that the picture cited is not a recent one.
Sani clarified that Sambo is a loyal and dedicated member of the PDP who has no intention of leaving the party.
“My attention has been drawn to a widely circulated story alleging that His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, GCON, former Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“This claim is entirely false and without any basis,” Sani insisted.
“Following numerous calls and inquiries, I have taken the liberty on the authority of His Excellency’s family to issue this formal rebuttal. I categorically state that the story is a fabrication, laced with mischief and aimed at misleading the public.
“The photograph supporting this falsehood, showing His Excellency with the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, is not recent.
“It was taken years ago during a condolence visit by the Governor to His Excellency’s residence in Abuja, following the demise of his brother, the late Sani Sambo. The image is now being deliberately misrepresented to fit a contrived narrative.
“Furthermore, His Excellency is scheduled to attend the commissioning of a 300-bed hospital in Kaduna …. This project, which he initiated during his time in office, stands as a testament to his enduring commitment to public service and the development of Kaduna State.
“His invitation to witness the completion of this legacy project, and possibly offer a few remarks, must not be misconstrued as a political endorsement or as confirmation of any partisan shift.
“For the avoidance of doubt, His Excellency, Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo, remains a loyal and committed member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“He has no intention of joining any other political party. The defection story is purely the figment of the imagination of its authors calculated to sow confusion and achieve cheap political mileage.”
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