TheCable

Former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Nuhu Ribadu, says his defection to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is in pursuit of a good cause and not out of selfish interest.

“I know how difficult it may be for you to come to terms with my defection to another party, but I must assure you that it’s a carefully-considered decision for which I do not wish to hurt anyone’s feeling,” Ribadu wrote in statement on his Facebook page Tuesday.

Refuting statements credited to him disparaging the APC and some governors, he said: “I’ll not embark on a needless animosity with my good friends, irrespective of political, religious, regional and ethnic affiliations.

“Let me quickly make it known that I did not issue a statement disparaging APC and its members, including Governors Amaechi, Kwankwaso.

“These were clearly fabricated, expected backlash, by mischievous characters interested in misleading the public and drawing a picture of non-existent feuds between me and my good friends.”

Ribadu, who is billed to run for governor of Adamawa state, emphasised that his defection should not be seen as an initiation of political antagonism with his good friends in another party.

“I still hold them in high esteem, and even where there are marked differences, I believe there are decorous and honorable ways of resolving them. So, kindly disregard any statement said to be by me attacking the personality of any politician since my defection. I’ll never allow myself to be drawn into such disrespectful exchange,” he said.

“As for my next step in this political struggle, this would be made known in due time. For now, I wish to assure you that my defection is in pursuit of a good cause, and never out of any selfish interests as portrayed by a section.

“Thanks for bearing with me on this decision, and for those who have been in solidarity with my struggles and still giving me the benefits of the doubt, I’m most grateful. I’ll never let you down on this new path.”

Ribadu defected from APC to PDP on Saturday, after feeling orphaned in the opposition party.

On Monday, he picked up the expression of interest and nomination forms of the PDP to participate in the party’s primary election.

He will be granted express waiver by his new party to contest for the October 11 Adamawa state gubernatorial election.