Alhaji Ibeto
Ahead of the 2019 general elections, the Nigeria Ambassador to South Africa Malam Ahmed Ibeto, has rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The former deputy governor to the immediate Governor of Niger State Dr Muazu Babaginda Aliyu, registered as a member of his former party at his Ibeto ward, Magama local government area at about 3pm on Tuesday.
He was presented with the Party’s membership card immediately after the registration ceremony which was witnessed by many party supporters and loyalists.
Daily Trust recalls that Ibeto left PDP for the All Progressives Congress (APC) few months to the 2015 general elections following disagreement with his boss, Dr Aliyu.
He was to be compensated with a ministerial slot but his name was said to have been dropped at last hour and later nominated and appointed as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Daily Trust learnt that Ibeto arrived Nigeria from Pretoria on Sunday and handed over his letter of resignation at the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday.
The Zonal Vice Chairman of the PDP for Zone C Hon Yahaya Abdullahi Ability confirmed the defection of the former deputy governor to Daily Trust on phone.
“They have just issued the former Deputy Governor with the membership card of the party; we have caught a lion of Niger state politics, he is not a big fish but a lion”, he said.
He claimed that the former deputy governor was escorted by seven members of the State House of Assembly, who he said were expected to join the PDP soon with about 2,000 supporters.
The Zonal Vice Chairman said Ibeto’s defection to APC in 2015 changed the narration within the ruling party then, adding that his move was bound to enhance the PDP’s chances in the state ahead of 2019 elections.
He however ruled out the possibility of automatic ticket for any member of the party, adding that all members seeking elective positions have to go through the processes.
When asked to comment on the defection of Ibeto, the APC Chairman in the state, Engr. Mohammed Imam, said the party has not been formally informed of development and would make its position known when it receive official communication on the matter. (Daily Trust)
