TheCable

Edem Duke, a former minister for tourism and culture, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to The Nation, Duke registered with APC at Edem Odo ward in Akpabuyo local government area of Cross River state on Saturday.

He said salvaging the country was what informed his decision to join the APC.

“It is a declaration of my passion and determination that this country of ours requires the commitment and cooperation of all and sundry. I am one who is always passionate about the development of my community,” he said.

“Having taken a look at the political landscape of Nigeria, I believe I cannot be an inactive observer in the trend of development in our country today.

“It is a call to duty for us to salvage our country and that is the principally the issue that influence my declaration for the APC today.

“For me what I see  the APC is doing is rekindling hope in Nigeria and encouraging those who have active years left to join the task of constructing and reconstructing the various strata of our social, economic and cultural development and I think that I am a relevant player in all of that.”

John Ochala, state chairman of the APC, said that new members joining the party should not be discriminated against.

The chairman who was represented by Victor Ebong, his secretary, said Duke would help build the party in the state.