A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2011 election in Kogi, Jibrin Isah Echocho, on Monday debunked rumours of his plan to defect from the party.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Public Communication & Strategy, Phrank Shuaibu, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
According to the statement, Mr. Echocho has no intention of dumping the PDP.
“I hereby note with concern, rumours in a section of the media that I have finalised plan to dump the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
“It is too early in the day for anybody to make such a conjecture.
“The story of the planned defection of Jibrin Echocho and his supporters from the PDP is a figment of the imagination of persons who are threatened by the large following and support he enjoys,’’ the statement said.
It added that Mr. Echocho was embarrassed by the “orchestrated’’ attempt to tarnish his integrity by people spreading rumours of his defection.
“I want to emphasise that I remain a committed democrat, principled politician and a loyal member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party,’’ the statement said.
Mr. Echocho had challenged the emergence of Governor Idris Wada as the PDP candidate in the 2011 governorship election in the state. Mr. Wada went on to win the election. The Supreme Court had in February ruled that Mr. Wada was the rightful candidate of the PDP.
(NAN)
