In this interview with Ma’ashin Ibn Ma’ashin and Precious Enebuse, Alhaji Mohammed Inua Haruna, the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the Eng. Kemi Elebute Halle support Group gave an account of how the new political group started and where it is leading. Excerpts;
What is the Decampees Movement all about?
The moment emerged from dissatisfaction among members of various political parties regarding their internal operations. My own party faced deregistration just before the last general election in 2022, leaving us without a chance to join another party at that time. Following the election, as Deputy National Chairman for the North, I was tasked with finding a new party for us to join en masse for recognition.
I learned about a movement led by Eng. Kemi Elebute Halle and decided to explore this opportunity with my team. We agreed to meet with my team. We agreed to meet with this new movement and were impresses by agenda during our discussions in Abuja on September 19.
The Movement consists of members from approximately eleven different political parties that have merged due to shared dissatisfaction with their former parties operations. The total strength of this movement exceeds thirty thousand individuals nationwide.
What is the movement’s Future Direction?
After our recent meeting in Abuja, we discussed how to proceed under Amb. Tasiu Abdulrahman’s leadership. We agreed to transaction from being merely a decampees movement to forming an official support group for Eng. Kemi Elebute halle within the APC. This group will be structured at national, zonal, state, and eventually grassroots levels across Nigeria.
Is your DPPA different from the current movement?
Yes, the movement is an amalgamation of various political parties, including mine. It was formed by individuals from the PPA, ADP, and other parties who came together to create what we now call the Decampees Movement.
What is the total strength of the Decampees Movement?
The Decampees Movement boasts over thirty thousand members across Nigeria.
What about the party groups that have merged to form this body?
Approximately eleven political parties have merged to create the Decampees Movement.
What did you discuss during your meeting in Abuja?
In Abuja, Her Excellency Eng. Kemi Elebute Halle shared her mission and vision with us, emphasizing her intention to officially join the APC as the leader of this movement. Everyone present had the opportunity to express their interest. As the representative for North West, wholeheartedly assured her of our support for her plans and objectives. Representatives from all regions – North East, South West, South East, and South South – voiced similar sentiments. The consensus was unanimous in our decision to support her in Ekiti. Although we initially expected a national acceptance at the event in Ekiti, we later learned that it would take place in Abuja due to the absence of the APC National Chairman. Therefore, we are here in Ekiti to show our full support for both the APC and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government under Her Excellency Chief Kemi Elebute Halle.
Can you describe the vision that Engr. Kemi Elebute-Halle shared with you in Abuja?
Engr. Kemi Elebute Halle shared a compelling vision during our meeting in Abuja, emphasizing her aim to officially join the APC as the leader of the Decampees Movement. She encouraged everyone present to express their interests and aspirations, fostering an environment of inclusivity and collaboration.
Her vision centers on uniting various political factions to create a stronger, more progressive party. She articulated her commitment to addressing the concerns of all members, regardless of their political back grounds, and emphasized the importance of working together to achieve common goals.
The meeting included representatives from all 36 states and the FCT, where each participant was given the opportunity to voice their support for her plans. The consensus was clear: we unanimously agreed to follow her lead and support her initiatives in Ekiti and beyond. This collective decisions reflects our belief in her capacity to bring about meaningful change and our commitment to promoting the APC under her leadership.
What is your view on party ideology in Nigeria today?
Party ideology is crucial not only for governance but also for shaping government programs. A party without a clear focus or agenda cannot effectively function. Some parties lean left or right, while others have socialist or capitalist inclinations. I believe that the most progressive party in Nigeria with a robust agenda in the APC. This is why I sought a new party that aligns with our values when I was tasked with finding one.
Now that you are with Kemi Elebute Halle in APC despite different backgrounds, where do you see this leading?
That’s an excellent question. Immediately after our declaration, we had a meeting led by National Coordinator Amb. Tasiu Abdulrahman. He suggested that we transition from being known as the Decampees Movement to forming an Eng. Kemi Elebute Halle Support Group. We agreed to expand this group gradually from national and zonal levels down to grassroots levels across the country. We fully supported Amb. Taisu Abdulrahman as our National Coordinator, and I was promoted to Deputy National Chairman for North within this new support movement.
Are you forming a new political party?
No, we are establishing a new political movement, not a new political party. We are APC members creating a support group under Eng. Kemi Elebute Halle’s leadership to promote both the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
Why is there a focus on kemi Elebute Halle despite her being from Ekiti?
Before joining this movement, she shared her background, including her educational qualifications and work experience, which instilled confidence in us. She emphasized that she values people based on their abilities rather than ethnic or religious backgrounds. Her history as the first female engineer at a prominent company in Northern Nigeria further inspired us to see her as more than just Ekiti leader; she feels like one of our own.
Has she expressed any intentions about running for higher office?
No, she isn’t explicitly mentioned any intentions to run for president; however, we see her potential and are encouraging her to consider it because we recognize her capabilities.
If she decides to run for president in the future, would you support her?
Absolutely! We would support her wholeheartedly because we believe she possesses exceptional qualities suitable for leadership roles in this country.
Given Nigeria’s zoning practices, how would you view her candidacy if circumstances permit?
First and foremost, it’s important to note that zoning is not constitutionally mandated; it’s an internal arrangement among political parties. The people of the North are more concerned with effective governance than where power shifts geographically. During President Buhari’s tenure, many Northerners expresses dissatisfaction with his leadership style and were open to supporting a Southern candidate if they believed it would improve their conditions.
How do you feel about candidates from other regions, the South East in particular, who have not had opportunities in leadership roles?
I believe every region should have a fair chance at leadership positions based on merit and capability. If a candidate from the South East possesses qualities suitable for leadership, I would support them without hesitation.
Did she indicate any intensions to lead the country?
No, she did not mention any aspirations to rule the country. In fact, we find ourselves encouraging her because we recognize her potential.
If she were to express a desire to run for president in the future, would you support her?
Absolutely! We would support he wholeheartedly because we believe in her capabilities. A golden fish has no hiding place we’ve seen her qualities and know she can hold any position in this country. Although she sometimes hesitates to express herself, we are committed to pushing her forward. Eng. Kemi Elebute Halle possesses the qualities of notable female leaders like Margaret Thatcher and Kamala Harris. We want to see her become the first female president in Nigeria, just as she was the first engineer elected to lead a unit in a reputable Northern Company.
Considering Nigeria’s zoning practices, if circumstances allow her to context despite being from Ekiti, how would the North respond?
First, it’s important to clarify that zoning is not constitutionally mandated; it’s an internal arrangement made by political parties. The North is not overly concerned about where power shifts. For instance, during President Buhari’s tenure, many Northerners expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership due to various challenged, including security issues and ineffective governance. As a result, some preferred a Southern candidate over Buhari.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced his candidacy, we rallied behind him because he has demonstrated a commitment to unity and progress. He transformed Lagos State into a modern city that serves as a model for other governors. We believe he can bring similar positive change to Nigeria.
Many Nigerians are unhappy with the current situation in the country; how do you respond?
You’re right; many people are dissatisfied because, as Bob Marley said, “a hungry man in an angry man.”
Some Northerners may resist having another Southern president after Tinubu; how do you view that?
That’s not entirely accurate.
Northerners will support any leader who can improve their living conditions. They seek good health care, food security, employment opportunities, and freedom to conduct business without hindrance. Any leader promising these will gain their support.
What are your reflections on the decamping event?
Regarding the decamping ceremony yesterday, it was truly remarkable. When we first met Erelu Kemi Elebute Halle in Abuja prior to our declaration to join the APC, I did not anticipate the level of grassroots support she would command.
However, witnessing it firsthand when she was received by both at the state and National leadership of the party alongside her followers across the country confirmed my belief that he influence extends well beyond Ekiti State. Despite having previously contested for governor, I realized that he true potential is even greater than public perception suggest. We are confident she possesses the capacity to achieve significant political heights in this country.
Credit: The parliament