PORT HARCOURT — Former political ally of ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Dr. Sokonte Davies, has explained his defection from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying the ruling party offers him a more viable 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 described his return to the APC as a “homecoming”, insisting that the party remained, in his view, a credible platform for progressive governance, national unity and grassroots development.
“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 added that his decision was driven by patriotic conviction and the desire to contribute to national stability.
“This decision has not been taken lightly. It flows from deep reflection, patriotic conviction, and a clear-eyed assessment of where I can best serve our people and contribute to the goal which is to re-elect the President to ensure the stability of the nation,” he stated.
Recalling his role in the formation of the APC, the former governorship aspirant said he remained committed to the party’s founding ideals, including democracy, social justice, true federalism, inclusive growth and respect for the rule of law.
“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 said.
He maintained that those principles could best be defended and advanced through the APC.
On his departure from the ADC, Davies expressed appreciation to the party’s leadership and members for the opportunity to contribute to its activities, stressing that he left without bitterness.
“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,” he said.
Davies 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.
He also promised to deploy his experience, political networks and goodwill in support of the party’s objectives and the government’s development agenda.
The politician urged his supporters and associates to remain calm and law-abiding, while calling on those who shared his political ideals to join the APC.
Davies further expressed appreciation to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his “very warm and excited friendly reception”.
He also thanked the APC National Vice Chairman, Chief Victor Giadom, for facilitating his return to the party, alongside other party elders and members who welcomed him.
Davies said he was committed to working with other stakeholders towards building what he described as the Nigeria and Rivers State of their dreams.
