Erstwhile Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode on Thursday swallowed his words and did that which he swore never to do: he dumped the People’s Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Fani-Kayode surprised a few Nigerians by his action, as he had consistently demonised APC, saying the party represented nothing but darkness.
His visit to APC headquarters in Abuja, visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, accompanied by top party wigs, and his appearance on Channels TV programme, “Politics” were proof of his new political abode.
Fani-Kayode was led to President Buhari by Chairman of APC’s Caretaker Committee, Governor Mai Mala Buni and Zamfara Governor Bello Matawale.
“The point is that I felt it was time to do the right thing, to put Nigeria first and appreciate the efforts that have been made, particularly in the last couple of years in terms of security; fighting insurgency and terrorism” he told surprised State House Correspondents in Abuja.
“It is not always negative and when the time is right, we change direction to join forces and join hands to move the country forward.
“Doing this doesn’t mean we are enemies to anybody. Even if we are in another party, the PDP or any other party or group, we can still work together across party, regional, ethnic or religious lines,” he spoke, obviously in an effort to justify his switch despite all the bashing he had given the APC and its leadership, including President Buhari.
His words on Thursday were at variance with his previous comments on the ruling party, and he did everything to distance himself from his previous comments.
In December 2019, the former minister had felt insulted when rumour had it that he had defected to APC.
In response, he had tweeted: “The suggestion that l joined the APC is false and insulting. Those that are peddling this fake news should bury their heads in shame. From what we have witnessed, l would rather die than join a filthy, rat-infested sinking ship like the Almajiri Peoples Congress (APC).
“I am committed to opposing the APC and those that are in their ranks for the rest of my natural life and I will NEVER join them no matter what! They are nothing but darkness whilst l stand for the light of God and truth: there can be NO fellowship between light and darkness.”
Before then, in 2015 just after the election that brought Buhari into office, Femi had criticized politicians who joined APC: “I am not surprised that @MObanikoro and @iyiomisore have got their passports back from the EFCC and are now in America. I do not blame them for joining the ruling party to avoid persecution. Some are strong whilst others are weak. I would rather die than join APC or bow to Buhari.
“We must stay strong and focused and refuse to be distracted. We must enthrone justice, fair play, and equal opportunities for every Nigerian regardless of his faith, ethnic nationality, or circumstances of birth. Ours is to speak for the weak, the poor, the voiceless, and the oppressed.”
But when he was confronted with these words, he defended his action
“Joining APC now is the way forward, despite what people may think about it.
“APC is a liberal party. Allot has happened in APC over the years. The party has changed and President has accommodated the change. Had the APC leadership not changed I wouldn’t have joined them.
“I am doing the right thing base on conviction and understanding. This is the right decision for me, love me or hate me, it will not take anything away from me”.
He revealed that he had been working clandestinely for APC, convincing PDP governors to decamp to APC. According to him, he was instrumental to the defection of Dave Umahi (Ebonyi); Ben Ayade (Cross River) and Bello Matawale (Zamfara), all former PDP governors to APC.
But he said he was not done, as he is also working on Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu); Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi) to join APC.
