Breaking news: PDP rebel governors join APC

Seven PDP governors who have been at political loggerheads with the

leadership of Nigeria's ruling party and President Goodluck Jonathan

today finally dumped the party and joined the opposition All

Progressives Congress, APC.

The announcement was made today at the Kano State Governor's Lodge in

Asokoro Abuja, the Nigerian capital, at a ceremony attended by all the

seven governors and leaders of the APC.

Abubakar Kawu Baraje, chairman of the breakaway faction of the PDP

read the statement which formally switched the allegiance of the group

to the APC.

Both the APC and Baraje group had met for some hours before reaching

an agreement to merge their political forces. And Baraje announced a

statement signed by him and Chief Bisi Akande, interim chairman of the

APC, that the two groups have decided to merge, "to rescue our

fledgling democracy and the nation".

baraje: read the declaration

In attendance were Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Babangida

Aliyu of Niger, Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano, Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara,

Governor Wammako of Sokoto state. Former governors, Bukola Saraki,

Timipre Sylva and Abdullahi Adamu of Nasarawa states were also there.

The interim chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande received the

governors. Also at the ceremony were Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and

General Muhammadu Buhari.

Tinubu, in an interview with newsmen after the declaration said: 'What

has happened today is significant for our country. What is important

is not the numerical strength but the character and commitment of

people committed to change