APC, New PDP Moves Closer Towards Alliance

In what looks like a confirmation of possible fusion, the leadership of the opposition All Progressives Congress(APC) yesterday had a public show of companionship with their counterparts in the splinter group of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, new PDP.


The event was the commissioning of the Sokoto State University, Sokoto, where five of the governors of the new PDP, otherwise known as G-7 governors; chairman of the faction Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje and other leaders of the group played host to former head of state General Muhammadu Buhari, former governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and a host of other APC leaders.

There have been reports that the new PDP was in alliance talks with the APC ahead of the 2015 election.

In his remarks on the occasion, Buhari expressed the essence of education, affirming that, very soon, Nigeria would be better managed.

“Yesterday by this time, I did not know I was going to come to Sokoto. But since I went to Kano to congratulate Kano people on building the Northwest University, I must also come to Sokoto to congratulate them on having their own university.

“Fundamentally, education is the most important thing for a nation state, especially like us. If you want to participate at the national level, you have to have an accepted standard and from accepted educational standard.

“Now, the available – maybe federal government universities – are not adequate as a result of the number of students. I don’t know everybody to be the same but there are some PhD holders, Master’s holders and first degree holder,s after NYSC they couldn’t get a job. This is the stage we find ourselves.

“But having education is much better than not having it. An educated community will not themselves depend on leaders. An educated community will generate jobs for themselves. Definitely, this country will very soon be secured and effectively managed.”

Tinubu also spoke on the importance of education at the commissioning ceremony which was performed by former head of state General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd).

Others on the occasion were former vice president Atiku Abubakar, factional chairman of new PDP Alhaji  Kawu Baraje, Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, Kano State governor Musa Kwankwaso, Adamawa State governor Murtala Nyako, speaker of the  House of Representatives Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, APC national chairman Bisi Akande as well as other traditional leaders from both Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi and Zamfara states.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general, Supreme Islamic Affairs Council of Nigeria, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, said the seat of the Caliphate was founded on knowledge. He therefore urged Nigerians to acquire knowledge to be able to develop in life.

The Sultan,  who assured that collectively they will work for the progress of the institution,  also urged Nigerians to embrace peace at all times, describing peace as the yardstick for an educated nation. Sokoto State governor and host Aliyu  Wamkko said the new university is not just a dream come true for him but part of his commitment to the development of the people of his state through education.

Assuring that the university shall be strike-free, Wamakko said the institution had brought all Nigerians together in Sokoto for good.

“Today, Nigerians are here for good and we pray for good for Nigeria. I thank Allah that university has become a reality and commenced operation. The university has played an important role of bringing everybody together and what we are doing today is that we are laying foundation for the generations yet unborn. “

It was reported this week that Governor Nyako of Adamawa State had concluded plans to defect to the APC alongside some of his colleagues but was being delayed by the reluctance of his Jigawa and Niger state counterparts, Sule Lamido and Babangida Muazu Aliyu respectively.

The new PDP to which the G-7 governors belong had also yesterday, given indication that it was considering other options but was not specific.

But a source close to the Sokoto State Government House said the event was not political.“ It was not a political event; all well-meaning Nigerians of all walks of life came to witness the event of the commissioning of a university.

“Invitation was extended to all Nigerians without any discrimination; we had APC as well PDP at the occasion; so to link it with partisan politics cannot be close to the truth,” he said.