Gov, APC Chiefs Vow To Block Modu-sheriff’s Return To Party

There is disquiet in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the likely return of Ali Modu-Sheriff, former Borno State governor, to the party as some key stakeholders in the APC especially in his home state are opposed to the move, INDEPENDENT has learnt.

Leading the onslaught against Modu-Sheriff is his successor in Borno, Governor Kashim Shettima, who according to reliable sources, is working assiduously to block Modu-Sheriff’s return to the party.

Governor Shettima, who is currently the leader of APC in the state, sources said believes that Modu-Sheriff will hijack the leadership of the party from him if he comes back into the fold.

Sources said the governor and some leaders of the party loyal to him have vowed to do everything possible to block his return to the party.

Already, sources said that Modu-Sheriff’s attempt to rejoin the party has been rejected at the ward level as the leadership of the party claimed that he abandoned the APC prior to the 2015 general elections when his support was needed most.

Also addressing newsmen in Abuja, a group known as the Borno APC Coalition with members from the 27 councils in Borno State said the coalition was not aware of any effort to encourage Modu-Sheriff to come back into the party.

Led by its Chairman, Maina Bashir and Secretary, Abdullahi Mala, it added that the APC in Borno is peaceful and wary of any leader who would jeopardise the peace currently enjoyed by the party.

“The crux of the story is that some unknown and unidentified members of our great party seek the return of Modu-Sheriff, who until recently was the factional chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Firstly, we wish to state that we are not aware of any call or move by any person or group for the return of Modu-Sheriff to the APC. As committed members and stakeholders of the APC in all the 27 local government areas of Borno State, we would have been aware of any sincere move or effort for the return of Mod-Sheriff to our party, which he defected from at its greatest moment of need – just before the 2015 general elections.

“Secondly, the Borno State chapter of the APC is currently at peace, with no crisis whatsoever. This is because of the excellent leadership provided by the governor of the state, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, which has allowed the party to bloom. We are wary of anyone joining the party, who may likely change this situation for the worse.

“Thirdly, while we may have no objection to Modu-Sheriff or any other person for that matter joining our party, we wish to state clearly that every returnee or potential new member must join from his or her ward. We do not want ‘Abuja politicians’ with no substance at home in our party.

“Finally, if the speculation is true that Modu-Sheriff has indeed eaten the humble pie and with his tail between his legs, wants to return to the APC, he should go to Ngala, his town and register with his ward chairman. If Modu-Sheriff does not have the details of the ward chairman, we will gladly supply him,” the coalition stated.