A member of the House of Representatives, Abdullahi El-Rasheed, popularly known as Bala Kelly, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gombe State.
The lawmaker, who represents Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, announced his defection during a visit to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the state’s liaison office in Abuja.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Ismaila Uba Misilli, it was disclosed that El-Rasheed formally presented his APC membership card to the governor during the visit.
According to the statement, the membership card was obtained from his ward in Dukku Local Government Area as part of the party’s ongoing e-registration and revalidation exercise.
Explaining his decision, El-Rasheed said he joined the APC because of Governor Yahaya’s progressive leadership style, people-oriented policies, and the developmental progress recorded across the state.
He also cited the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as another major reason for his defection.
The lawmaker described the APC as a party better positioned to deliver good governance and sustainable development. He pledged his “unalloyed loyalty and commitment” to the party and its leadership.
In response, Governor Yahaya welcomed El-Rasheed into the APC and commended him for what he described as courage and conviction.
The governor assured the lawmaker of a level playing field within the party and urged him to work closely with other stakeholders to promote the party’s development agenda.
He also encouraged El-Rasheed to remain focused on delivering dividends of democracy to his constituency, Gombe State, and the country at large.
