Ekweremadu responds to news about his defection with statement saying he remains in PDP for now

DEPUTY senate president Senator Ike Ekweremadu has issued a statement in response to reports that he is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying that for now he remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Over the last week, it has been reported that Senator Ekweremadu is considering dumping the PDP and joining the ruling APC because he feels he is not being accorded as much respect as he deserves. Apparently, Senator Ekweremadu believes that he has been marginalised within the PDP since senate president Senator Bukola Saraki joined the party and he is not consulted before major decisions are taken.

Barring any last minute change, Senator Ekweremadu is expected to join the APC soon as he has been involved in high-level negotiations with the party's leaders. Reacting to the news, Senator Ekweremadu did not deny them but just issued a statement saying he still remains a member of the PDP.

Senator Ekweremadu said: “In the past 24 hours, I have been inundated with calls from friends and political associates seeking clarification on the rumours of my departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has dominated the media. Let it be known that my path in politics is in the hands of the Almighty God, who has indeed been very faithful and gracious to me. I’m very grateful to God for this.

“My vision in politics is a system that works for everybody, a social and political environment where everybody, every section and every tribe not only counts but is also seen to count. As leaders, we must be mindful of this, for any system built on anything less will not endure.

“I am grateful to you members of my family, my friends, political associates, and admirers across Nigeria and beyond for your uncommon concern. I am indeed humbled by your kind words of solidarity and support. Please, be rest assured that I am still in the PDP.”