Saraki’s Chief of Staff does not believe APC deserve to rule beyond 2019, dumps party

Senate President Bukola Saraki’s chief of staff, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Describing his decision to leave APC as a difficult one, Baba-Ahmed however made it clear his decision has no bearing on his principal.

He said he took the decision after due consultation with members of his Akida faction of APC in Kaduna.

Mr Baba-Ahmed, while addressing journalists in Kaduna, said he has sent a letter of withdrawal from APC to the party chairman in his ward.

According to him, “This statement is to inform the public of my resignation from APC. I have sent a formal letter to this effect to chairman of my ward. This has been a very difficult decision, to leave a party I helped to form and made my humble contributions to put in power. After three years, however, I need to say that the APC has grossly under-performed and has forfeited any claim to my loyalty and continue membership. I do not believe in all conscience, that it should be trusted and encouraged to continue to govern our great country beyond 2019. I am not leaving to join another party. This is my decision and mine alone . It has nothing to do with the president of the senate, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki. It’s a decision taken after due consultations with Akida Group, a group that has predated my appointment as chief of staff to the President of the Senate. I will remain active in politics, as this is the main avenue for salvaging our nation from rising insecurity, poverty and bitter divisions,” he said.