The former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sen. Smart Adeyemi, yesterday defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC).
Adeyemi, who had been in the PDP for 12 years, said he shifted base to the APC because the Kogi West Senatorial District was neglected by the successive PDP administrations in the state.
He said it was the decision of the people of Kogi West to leave the PDP for the APC.
He said since politics is essentially local, he has no choice than to bow to the pressure of his people to dump the PDP.
He said his defection had nothing to do with survival politics.
He said while in the Senate, he was one of those who criticized the PDP administration, especially the rising cases of corruption.
Adeyemi, who made the announcement at a briefing at his residence in Maitama District in Abuja, said Nigeria’s future is brighter under President Muhammadu Buhari.
The session was attended by Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi, Sen. Abu Ibrahim (a staunch ally of Buhari), Chief J.B. Arojojoye and many supporters from Kogi West.
He said: “After due consultations with both local and national leaders across my state and the nation, we have come to the realization that we have to take a major decision for the best interest of our people. Politics is essentially local.
“Therefore, in the light of the sincerity and commitment of President Buhari, his strength of character and support of eminent personalities such as Baba Olusegun Obasanjo, the leader of men, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and the support of the leadership of the ruling party towards the reconstruction of the socio-economic fabrics of our nation, we have decided to defect to the APC today, being April 8, 2016 by the grace of Almighty God.
“We hereby urge all our supporters and patriotic Nigerians to support the effect of a new socio-economic order of this administration.”
He explained why he chose to abandon for the PDP.
He said: “While thanking the PDP for the opportunity of granting me a ticket for my two terms in office, it is soul-depressing that for the past 12 years of our support in ensuring victory of the PDP in both governorship and presidential elections, Kogi West has nothing to show towards improving the standard of living of our people by successive Kogi PDP governors.
“This neglect and poor performance of the PDP resulted in anti-party reactions, culminating in the victory of the APC in the Kogi governorship election last year.”
He said his defection to the APC had nothing to do with politics of survival.
He said: “Politics is all about the well-being of the people; politics must be in the interest of the people and politics is essentially local.
“As a PDP Senator, I was critical of the past administration. I spoke against corruption and exposed the extent to which corruption had destroyed this nation.”
Adeyemi pleaded with Nigerians to have faith in the administration of President Buhari.
He added: “We are mindful of the harsh economic situation in the country due to global economic recession and poor planning in the past.
“However, this administration must be supported to succeed because of the determination and sincerity to balance the books and balance the economy.
“My conscience bears me witness that I am convinced that this administration means well for Nigerians. It is honest and focused towards building a viable economy.
“I strongly believe that the future of our nation is brighter under this administration due to the great strength of character of our President and his visible passion towards enduring a new socio-economic order.
“It might be difficult today, but I know that Nigeria will cruise again under Buhari.”
Adeyemi insisted that his tenure in the Senate was spent to justify the mandate given to him by the masses.
He said: “For the dividends and community projects, I was able to procure 24 ultra modern ambulances , 500 hospital beds, built cottage hospitals in Igbaruku, Igbagun and Ogale.
“I equally constructed market stalls ranging from 30 to 100 lock-up shops in four communities, namely, Iyara, Egbe, Aiyetoro, Ogga worth hundreds of millions of naira. I also sank about 240 boreholes in different communities across the Senatorial District.”
On his part, Sen. Abu Ibrahim said: “ I am highly elated and happy that Adeyemi has seen the light and the truth and is moving towards the light.
“As you have observed, Nigeria was in a serious messy situation and we have to put heads together to save it.
“One thing I must emphasize is that Adeyemi was one of the best Senators in the 7th Senate. Please continue to be the best. You will find the APC a more progressive and democratic party than the PDP.
Also speaking, Sen. Adetunmbi said: “History is being made today. He was one of our tormentors in the Senate. Anywhere he stood, he stood well.
“With the kind of truth and commitment which Adeyemi is noted for, the APC will benefit from his defection. We will take care of you in the APC and show you the way.”
Smart Adeyemi dumps PDP for APC
