By Dayo Omoogun
Senator Barnabas Gemade has returned to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Gemade who represented Benue South Constituency at the Senate in the eighth National Assembly is the latest high profile returnee to the ruling party having defected to the Social Democratic Party in the run-up to the 2019 elections after he failed to clinch the APC’s ticket.
Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, in the eighth National Assembly, had also returned from the PDP to the APC about a week earlier.
According to the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Yekini Nabena, who made the announcement via a statement, Gemade’ s return is a proof that the ongoing reconciliation efforts of the party are on course
“The return of Senator Barnabas Gemade to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is another signpost of the well-received and successful reconciliation efforts being led by Governor Mai Mala Buni as Chairman of the APC Caretaker/Extra-Ordinary National Convention Planning Committee.
“The APC caretaker Committee led by Governor Buni has created a conducive and sincere environment to address many of the grievances among our party ranks and return the party to its progressive and lofty heights.
“We assure all true progressives who left the party over whatever grievance to return and join ongoing efforts to reposition the APC and further achieve our pro-people plans for the country.
He rallied for continued support for the Reconciliation Committee while noting that even President Muhammadu Buhari had recognized the efforts of the Committee.
“It heartwarming that party faithfuls led by President Muhammadu Buhari as leader of the APC have recognised the reconciliation efforts of the Governor Buni-led APC Caretaker and continue to support the Committee.
He added, “We call on our supporters, members and leaders to continue their support for the caretaker committee by coming forward with any issues, grievances, disputations, differences for an amicable resolution.”
“The task of keeping the party unified and strong is a collective one.
It is noteworthy that Senator Gemade is a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party. He defected to the APC after he parted ways with the PDP.