2023: Shettima Dumps APC, Speaks On Joining New Party

A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Niger State, Alhaji Bako Shettima has dumped the party.

The governorship aspirant, who doubles as the Chairman of the Interim Executive Committee of APC in the state, linked the cause of his renouncement to recent developments in the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Naija News understands that Shettima confirmed his withdrawal from APC on Thursday during a meeting with his supporters at Haske Luxury Hotel, Minna, the state capital.

The politician, however, declined to disclose his new party but cited unhealthy practices within APC as to why he dumped the party.

Shettima 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 forms and others.

Shettima, Naija News understands, was the governorship candidate for Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 elections.

“A party that claims 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 the election?” Shettima asked rhetorically.

He said the high nomination fees are akin to high tariffs or entry barriers 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.

He added: “Given 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”.

Shettima, however, noted that his withdrawal from the APC has not stopped his ambition, but a modest way of strategizing to fight.