Sheriff had over three months ago indicated interest to join the PDP and had written the state chapter of the party stating his interest, but nothing serious came out of it since then, a development that raised suspicion among observers that something was wrong.
Our correspondent learnt that the PDP in the state has been sharply divided, with most of the leading members and founding members not favourably disposed to Sheriff’s defection based on suspicion that once he picked the PDP ticket, he would snatch the political machinery from them.
The issue was however resolved in favour of the former governor due to the interest shown by the national leadership of the party, mandating the leadership of the party in the state to write Sheriff a letter in preparation to his formal defection to the party, a source informed our correspondent.
The approval for Sheriff’s defection was contained in a letter to the former governor, signed by the state chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Baba Basharu, which was made available to newsmen yesterday.
The letter reads in part: “The PDP in the state is extending greetings and compliments to the former governor and we are honoured to have a man of such magnitude to lead the PDP to glory come 2015.
“It is indeed my honour as well as that of our party supporters, stakeholders and the entire membership. Through this letter, I wish to acknowledge receipt of your letter informing us of your intention and willingness to join our great party. I also wish to apologise for our late response. This is due to the wide consultation we carried out and we wholeheartedly accept you and your followership.”
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