‘I haven’t left PDP’ — Fani-Kayode counters Yahaya Bello’s defection claim

Femi Fani-Kayode, a former minister of aviation, says he has not left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) amid rumours that he has jumped ship.

Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi, on Tuesday, claimed that Fani-Kayode had crossed over to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Fani-Kayode, a vocal critic of the ruling government, had recently met with Bello and Mai Mala Buni, Yobe governor and chairman of APC caretaker committee.

Addressing reporters after revalidating his APC membership in Okene on Tuesday, Bello said Fani-Kayode is now a member of the ruling party.

He said the former minister approached him about his decision to defect from the PDP to the APC.

Bello said Fani-Kayode will make a valuable contribution to the APC and ensure it retains power.

“I have the mandate to mobilise, to sensitize, to educate and woo Nigerians into the party irrespective of their background. Our brother and friend, Chief Femi Fani Kayode has joined our party in good faith. He is joining our party to come and add his own positive energy and make contribution into ensuring that APC is a party to beat,” he had said.

“Remember that Chief Femi Fani-Kayode was a foundation member of this great party. Due to misunderstanding, he decided to port elsewhere before. Now he has decided to join our party, approached me, and by the mandate given to me by the party, I must not segregate or discriminate against any individual.

“Even if he has a different opening about the party before, about the government and he has seen the light, the reality and the needs to join the All Progressives Congress.

“It is just important, nice, and sweet to welcome Chief Femi Fani-Kayode to come and join this party. Remember, this party does not belong to one individual, it belongs to all Nigerians.

“We will welcome you with our hands wide open. So Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, you are welcome to our party. Come and make your contribution and ensure that this party is greater than any individual in Nigeria.”

But in a tweet on Wednesday, Fani-Kayode debunked Bello’s claim, saying he is still a member of PDP.

“Though we have had meetings across party lines and we are in a season of political consultation I have not left the PDP,” he tweeted.

Though we have had meetings across party lines and we are in a season of political consultation I have not left the PDP.

— Femi Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) February 10, 2021

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