The former Senator representing Rivers South East senatorial district, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe (SMA) has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), days after he dumped the All Progress Congress.
SMA insists he is still in the race to the Brick House Port Harcourt even though he has not been officially nominated by any political party as it’s flagbearer.
Clariform reports that Sen. Magnus and his supporters refused to participate in the APC state congress and he has since then refused to recognize the state excos that emerged from that exercise.
Sen. Magnus had purchased the APC governorship nomination form for Rivers State, but failed to show up for the primaries in Port Harcourt over allegations that the primaries would be unfairly conducted.
SMA as he is fondly called has maintained his support for the APC Presidential Candidate Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Few days ago, SMA while announcing his resignation from the state chapter of party reiterated his support and relationship with Tinubu.
Sen. Magnus through his facebook page announced his defection to the SDP. This did not come as a surprise to many observers of Rivers Politics.
However, what is not clear to Rivers people and other political observers is how Sen. Magnus will fly the flag of the SDP since he was not a part of their primaries.
In the face of the provisions of the new electoral Act that made it difficult for the likes of Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi to claim a senatorial ticket from their party.
In addition, in the light of how Sen. President Ahmed Lawan lost his ticket in the hands of a placeholder, can SMA successfully replace the SDP Governorship candidates for Rivers State Mr. Pronen Maurice?
On his facebook wall, he stated “Yes I am and have been a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). I remain irrevocably committed to the ideals that have driven my politics through the years. And will continue to do all we can to improve internal democracy in the politics of our country and focus on the people”.
It was a long battle fought between Sen. Magnus and the immediate past Minister of Transportation and former Governor of Rivers State Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi over party leadership and control in the state. The conflict was responsible for the APC not having a candidate in Rivers State in the last general elections in 2019.
Though SMA celebrates his new found love, but the battle may not be over for him as he may need to convince INEC and perhaps the court why he should merit flying the flag of the SDP come 2023 despite not participating in their primaries.
