A former political ally of ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Dr Sokonte Davies, has explained his decision to dump the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the ruling party offers a better platform to serve Rivers State and support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Davies, a founding member of the APC and former Rivers State governorship aspirant, announced his return to the party on Wednesday after consultations with his family, political associates, constituents and elders.
In a statement titled “Return to the Progressive Family: My Decision to Rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said his decision followed deep reflection and an assessment of the political platform through which he could best contribute to the development of Rivers State and Nigeria.
He also said his return was partly driven by his desire to support Tinubu’s bid for a second term, which he linked to the need for national stability.
“After extensive consultation with my family, political associates, constituents, and elders, and following the cessation of my membership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) recently, I hereby announce my decision to return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party in which I was privileged to be a foundational member,” he said.
Davies described the move as a “homecoming,” insisting that the APC remained, in his view, a credible platform for progressive governance, national unity and grassroots development.
He said he remained committed to the ideals that informed the formation of the party, including democracy, social justice, true federalism, inclusive growth and respect for the rule of law.
“I recall with pride my role as a foundational member of the APC. I believed then, and I still believe, in its founding ideals: democracy, social justice, true federalism, inclusive growth, and respect for the rule of law,” he stated.
According to him, developments since the party’s formation had reinforced his belief that those ideals should be defended and advanced within the APC.
The former governorship aspirant, however, dismissed suggestions that his departure from the ADC was driven by bitterness, saying his time in the opposition party was marked by service and commitment.
He expressed appreciation to the ADC leadership and members for the opportunity to contribute to the party, stressing that political differences should not degenerate into personal hostility.
“I bear no ill will. Politics is a marketplace of ideas; we can disagree without being disagreeable. I wish the party well in its future endeavours,” Davies said.
He pledged to work with APC leaders and stakeholders to strengthen the party’s structures from the ward level to the local government, state and national levels.
Davies also promised to deploy his experience, political networks and goodwill in support of the party and the government’s development agenda.
“I will deploy my token of experience, networks, and goodwill to support the party’s vision and the government’s developmental agenda,” he said.
Calling on his supporters and political associates to remain calm and law-abiding, Davies urged those who shared his political convictions to join the APC and work towards what he described as a better future for Rivers State and Nigeria.
He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as a warm and enthusiastic reception.
Davies thanked the APC National Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom, for facilitating his return to the party, as well as party elders and members for their encouragement and acceptance.
He said he looked forward to working with other stakeholders to build what he described as “the Nigeria and Rivers State of our dreams.”
