Buhari receives Bankole, Gbenga Daniel at Aso Rock — after defection to APC

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Monday, received Oladimeji Bankole, former speaker of the house of representatives, and Gbenga Daniel, ex-governor of Ogun state, at the presidential villa. 

Bankole and Daniel recently defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

While the former Ogun governor announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in February, Bankole met with members of the party’s caretaker committee on March 12, and signified his intention to join the APC.

They were accompanied to the Presidential Villa by Mai Mala Buni, Mohammed Badaru, and Atiku Bagudu, governors of Yobe, Jigawa and Kebbi states, respectively.

Daniel served as governor of Ogun state from 2003 till 2011, while Bankole was speaker from 2007 till 2011 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Buni said the president is pleased with the development.

“We came to present new members of our party, Daniel and Bankole. Mr. President is impressed and happy that leaders of such calibre are joining our party at this time we are registering new members,” Buni said.

“Indeed, this is the right time for them to join us, and that’s exactly why Mr. president is very happy. He’s impressed.”

Speaking on his defection, Bankole said his decision to join the APC is to show his support for the efforts of the present administration.

“There are issues we need to solve and any reasonable human being should support at this moment. These are critical times and we shouldn’t be found wanting,” he said.

“This is the time to step up and support so that these decisions can be taken, executed, and owned by us as a nation. It’s every citizen’s right, and all we’ve done is exercise it today. But actions from now will speak for us.”