By Anwar Usman
The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, describing his exit as an act of cowardice that undermines the principles of multi-party system of government in Nigeria.
Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led PDP National Working Committee, through its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Friday reminded Fintiri that history and posterity serve as the ultimate and impartial judges of human actions, constantly recording both deeds and omissions.
After weeks of speculation, Fintiri formally left the PDP and joined the ruling All Progressives Congress on Friday.
In response, the Peoples Democratic Party stated that Fintiri’s decision to leave a platform that supported his political journey through multiple election cycles over minor inconveniences clearly shows unrestrained cowardice rather than the conduct of a principled politician.
The party stated that “We are aware of the official announcement of the long-speculated defection of His Excellency, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri, from our party to the All Progressives Congress, today via a broadcast in Adamawa State.
“This move, though long speculated, had attracted several rebuttals from the governor himself, even as recently as last week, after the presidential visit to Adamawa. By this announcement, the governor himself has confirmed what hitherto was a rumour, by aligning with the ruling party, a move he says is in the developmental interest of his state.
“While we acknowledge that this move is well within Fintiri’s legal rights, it is clearly against political principles and morality, a challenge to multi-party democracy and democratic consolidation.
The PDP urged its members in Adamawa State to accept what it described as a sad reality with composure.
The party further reiterated that “They should remain resolute in the hope that the rebirth movement of our party is on course and will certainly reposition our party back to winning ways”.