The All Progressives Congress, on Wednesday, welcomed a former member of the House of Representatives, Nicholas Ossai, following his defection from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.
Ossai, who officially decamped to the APC, hinged his exit on the need to bring meaningful development to his constituent, saying the ruling party offers the best platform to achieve the vision.
The lawmaker has previously served as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly representing Ndokwa West State Constituency before moving to the House of Representatives, where he served until the end of the 2023 legislative session.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Ossai praised the party leadership and President Bola Tinubu who he described as his role model.
The Delta politician also boasted that his foray into the ruling party would put an end to the reign of the PDP in his state.
He said, “I have been in the PDP for some time now. But the umbrella has broken down. We have always regarded the President as a role model and he is still my role model. Today, I have no other place than to come to APC to work for him and strengthen his government.
“I am here with my teaming supporters. I had gone to my ward and my (membership) card has been issued to me. I have also attended senatorial meeting of the APC. I have come today to inform you that I am in the fold now and need your blessings.
“I am one of your foot soldiers in Delta who has come to declare personally before you today and to tell you that I will abide by the rules, laws and constitution governing the APC. I will go back to Delta State to champion Asiwaju Renewed Hope Agenda, which is great.”
While welcoming him to the party, the National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru stated that the defection of a seasoned chieftain like him was enough indication that the opposition party cannot be trusted with power again.
According to him, Nigerians are beginning to see the result of the President’s policies and wouldn’t hesitate to vote him back to power in 2027.
He said, “It is my joy to welcome you, not only to the headquarters of the APC but to the vault of the progressives who are working seriously to renew the hope of the Nigerian people. One of our cardinal objectives is to revitalise the party and bring in seasoned politicians who are capable of ensuring that the APC continues to win the election.
“I congratulate you for seeing these laudable achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. I doubt if there’s any politician who has radiated hope and support, especially among younger politicians, than Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Of all political parties in Nigeria, our party continues to wax stronger.
“But the opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party are in serious crisis occasioned by inordinate ambitions and lack of proper coordination. The question is, can Nigerians trust a party that can not even put its house to rule the country? So, thank you for abandoning that already dilapidated structure.”
