There has been wide condemnation of the defection of Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, from People’s Democratic Party(PDP) to All Progressives Congress(APC).
Some Nigerians interviewed expressed disgust with Fani-Kayode. Their reasons being that he had earlier said he would rather die than defect , only to swallow his sputum to defect to APC.
They said that he had called President Muhammadu Buhari unprintable names and even supported secession agitation of Sunday Igboho and Nnamdi Kanu.
They wondered why he could volte-face and say positive things about APC and insecurity.
A communication expert, Dr. Sunny Mbazie, said there was nothing extraordinary Fani-Kayode did, except that his actions could have consequences on his political ambitions.
” What has happened in the case of FFK is that interest is subject to shifting preferences. Interest does not change but it shifts and it means a change in friendship. There must be something that must have caused a shift of interest, necessitating a change of party and friends. However, there is also what is called reputation. As you shift interest easily, it has consequences of how people perceive you and your reputation. I know many Nigerians will look at him as a bread and butter politician, which could have consequences if he stands for an election and I know Fani-Kayode will never contest for any election. He believes in appointments”.
On her part, Irene Pepple in Port Harcourt, said that Fani-Kayode is a disgrace to people of principle. That she had perceived him as a responsible person with truthful criticism of APC. But, this had confirmed what people were saying that he was broke and looking for a succour.
In his view, Segun Bolaji in Lagos said that the decision of Fan-Kayode to move to APC was a big shame not only to him and his family but to the entire Yoruba people, adding that he should stop disgracing them. He queried Fani-Kayode to have forgotten so soon the statement that he would rather die than join APC. He said everybody is looking forward to his dying.
Also in his view, Abubakar Musa in Abuja cautioned APC to be wary of Fani-Kayode. This, he said was because he made terrible comments against APC, the north and Buhari’s administration. He asked, is he coming as a friend or foe?
It would be recalled that Fani-Kayode formally joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, on Thursday.
The former Minister was presented to President Muhammadu Buhari by the Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the APC, and governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni , at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Fani-Kayode, who has lately been running around APC chiefs and bigwigs, said he was led by God in his decision.
He added that he joined the APC to help for the unity of the country, saying he was against anything that would cause the disintegration of Nigeria.
He also claimed he was instrumental in the exit of three Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governors to the APC.
The governors he mentioned were Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, Ben Ayade of Cross River State and Bello Matawale of Zamfara State.
He further said he has friends across the party line and was wooing the governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and the governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed to join the ruling party.
