Defection To APC: I Am Proud Of Umahi, People Will Call Him Names — Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi
State governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress
(APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle
rather than opportunistic motives.”

A statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to
the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja on Wednesday, informed
that while reacting to the move, President Buhari said: “I am proud
of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance
with his conscience and principles rather than any external
influence or coercion.”

It further quoted the president as saying: “Good governance is
very important to us in the APC and I’m glad that the governor has
cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our
citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our
democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”

He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future
for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by
performance records of parties and their candidates.

“Let me once again commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for
taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are
in short supply among many.

“I know people might call him names, but that is the price men
of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience
and convictions.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has commended the defection of Ebonyi
State governor, David Umahi, to the All Progressives Congress
(APC), describing it “as a bold move driven purely by principle
rather than opportunistic motives.”

A statement issued by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to
the President (Media & Publicity) in Abuja on Wednesday, informed
that while reacting to the move, President Buhari said: “I am proud
of Governor David Umahi for taking this bold decision in accordance
with his conscience and principles rather than any external
influence or coercion.”

It further quoted the president as saying: “Good governance is
very important to us in the APC and I’m glad that the governor has
cited this as a major factor in his decision to join us. I urge our
citizens to pay less emphasis on identity politics if we want our
democracy to make a positive impact on our country.”

He noted that “with men like Umahi, I foresee a brighter future
for our democracy because the voters will be more motivated by
performance records of parties and their candidates.

“Let me once again commend the boldness of Governor Umahi for
taking this courageous decision in a country where principles are
in short supply among many.

“I know people might call him names, but that is the price men
of principles have to pay for acting according to their conscience
and convictions.”