Ikenya, who served in the
administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, announced his defection
less than 24 hours after former Senate President Ken Nnamani quit the former
ruling party.
The former minister of
labour and productivity, Joel Ikenya has announced his defection from the
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Speaking with journalists
in Jalingo, capital of Taraba, on Monday, Ikenya said his defection was
informed by the “numerous achievements” of President Muhammadu Buhari.
He urged Nigerians,
especially those from the north-east, to key into the policies and programmes
of the president for the socio-economic development of the country.
“My reasons for decamping
from the PDP to pitch tent with the ruling party are based on the many
achievements the president has recorded within his first one year in office,”
he said.
“The success he achieved in
restoring peace to the troublesome north-east zone alone is something we cannot
shy away from no matter our political party differences.
“Buhari’s fight against
corrupt practices is also one of the major factors that motivated me to dump my
former political party to the ruling APC.”
He pledged his “unflinching
support” and that of his supporters to Buhari to enable the president lead the
nation to greater heights.
“My supporters and I will
support Mr President because a close look at his appointments will show you
that no region benefited from his appointments like the north-east,” he said.
“I want to use this
platform to call on citizens from the northeast region to put aside sentiments
and support the president in reciprocity for all the good things he has done
for us.”
Ikenya was sworn in as
minister in March 2015 as replacement for Darius Ishaku, who resigned to
contest for the Taraba state governorship election. He left the position in May
2015, following the defeat of the PDP at the presidential election.
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