2011: ANPP Will Retain Borno – Gov

Governor Ali Sheriff of Borno State said he was optimistic that the ruling ANPP in the state would be retained in 2011.

Receiving some PDP members, who decamped to the ANPP in Magumeri, headquatres of Magumeri Local Government Area, he said “I have always been optimistic about the chances of the ANPP in Borno because it is the people’s party.

“I want to add that the party will retain its position in next year’s election.”

He said the movement of the new members into ANPP had further strengthened the party, stressing that “today is one of my happiest days because I am here to receive some strong members of the PDP into my party, the ANPP.

“I am particularly happy because one of them, Alhaji Bukar Buri, had been a strong pillar of the PDP in Borno.”

Sheriff pointed out that Buri, a former PDP chairman in Magumeri Local Government and a member of the PDP state forum, had been a source of worry to the ANPP.

“But now that he has decided to join us with his people we are happy for that.”

The Governor gave the assurance that the new members would be treated equally with others, saying “with your coming into the ANPP today, there is no doubt that you will be treated on equal basis with any member of the party because we all belong to same party.”

In his response, Buri said that “my movement, together with my people to the ANPP, is based on principle.

“I have been a founding member of the PDP in Borno but my people have not benefited from the party.

“I therefore decided to join the ANPP so that I will be part of the numerous successes of the party in the state.”

Highlights of the event was the handing over of the ANPP flag to Buri by Governor Sheriff to signal the movement to the party.