Party defection: APC, PDP clash over Prof Gana

From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed as they each attempt to woo former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, to join their party.

Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari urged Gana to join the APC and further his “service to humanity.” Speaking at the launch of “Jerry Gana, Stewardship and Integrity” (authored by Simon Musa), to celebrate Gana’s 80th birthday in Abuja, Yari (represented by Senator Tijani Kaura) asserted there was “no better place than the APC.”

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, supported Yari’s recommendation.

However, PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, disagreed, insisting Gana remains a PDP member. Turaki described Gana as “a man of credibility, integrity, a politician’s politician, an icon, an enigma and an institution,” and assured that the new PDP would foster transparency and fairness, saying a future President Jerry Gana was a possibility.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo called Gana a man of “integrity, clear ideas and clear behaviour,” praising his thoroughness and positive influence in public life. Obasanjo extended personal and collective birthday wishes, highlighting Gana’s foundational roles in party and government.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan described Gana as a symbol of purposeful leadership whose decades of service have inspired generations, commending his influence on national discourse and democratic values.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo (represented by Prof. Yakubu Ochefu) reviewed the commemorative book, noting its depth but also its silence on certain political events, including Gana’s advisory role during the third-term agenda.

In response, Gana said he would not leave the PDP, saying the party “is now in my system.” He thanked former presidents, vice presidents, ministers, legislators and the book’s author for their contributions and support at the ceremony.