Senator Magnus Abe, who ran as the gubernatorial candidate for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 elections, recently elucidated his decision to depart from the party and return to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). In an interview on TVC, Abe expressed that his departure from the SDP stemmed from the realization that it no longer aligned with his political objectives, particularly since his preferred candidate, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emerged victorious in the elections.
Abe emphasized that his allegiance to President Tinubu, whom he supported as a founding member of the APC, influenced his decision to return to the party. With President Tinubu assuming office as Nigeria's president, Abe deemed it illogical to remain in the SDP, which could potentially evolve into an opposition party against the president. He stated that the APC offered him the most conducive platform to continue contributing to politics and supporting the administration.
Reflecting on the post-election landscape and the political dynamics unfolding in the country, Abe discerned the possibility of alignments and realignments within the political sphere. As a seasoned politician and founding member of the APC, he strategically evaluated his options and concluded that rejoining the APC was the most pragmatic course of action.
Abe elucidated that his decision to return to the APC was not solely based on the electoral outcome but also on his enduring commitment to actively participate in politics and support the governing party. He expressed his conviction that the APC provided him with the necessary framework to continue advancing his political aspirations and contributing to national development.
Acknowledging his longstanding affiliation with the APC and his alignment with President Tinubu's vision for the country, Abe reaffirmed his belief that the APC was the most suitable platform for him to realize his political goals. He expressed his intention to leverage his position within the party to foster positive change and contribute meaningfully to the political landscape.
PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO FROM 40:37
Hear him: "Why did I leave? After the election and the dynamics of what is happening in the country, it became clear to me that there maybe some alignment or realignment within the political space. And like I told you from the beginning, as a founding member of the APC, my preferred candidate is now the President of Nigeria, it made no sense for me remain in the SDP which may become an opposition to the president. Anyway, whether that or not, I felt that the best place from which I could continue to offer support and participate in the politics the way I’ve always wanted to do is from the APC and that is why I headed back to APC."