Chairman of the Interim Executive Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) of Niger State Alhaji Bako Shettima has dumped the party, citing some unhealthy practices within the party.
Shettima who is a governorship aspirant announced his exit from APC at a meeting with his supporters at Haske Luxury Hotel, Minna, the state capital, on Thursday.
He, however, declined to disclose his new party.
He said APC that claimed to be for the people has put too much emphasis on money to the extent that people feel excluded as shown through the high charges for nomination form and others.
Shettima, who was also Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) governorship candidate in 2011, asked rhetorically, “A party that claim to be working to give the party back to the people goes ahead to beat all other parties in Nigeria in charging astronomical high fees. Is the party intent on excluding the people from participating in election?
He said the high nomination fees are akin to high tariff or entry barrier in trade policy, which negates APC’s principle of eliminating all forms of discrimination and social injustice among Nigerians as enunciated in the preamble to the constitution of the party.
Shettima said, “In view of the issue raised, I have resolved to abandon the pursuit of my governorship aspiration on the platform of APC. My next line of action (choice of political party) will be communicated to my teeming supporters and Nigerlites in general, in the next few days”.
He maintained that quitting the APC does mean quitting his ambition, but a modest way of restrategising to fight and not to flight.