In the wake of the recent defection of some lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, President Muhammadu Buhari has said he remained committed to the values of democracy, freedom of choice as well as total willingness to work with all members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their political party, for the benefit of the nation.
In his reaction to the developments Tuesday morning at the National Assembly, the President noted that none of the defecting federal lawmakers of the APC had any specific grievances against him or the government he leads; neither did he harbour anything against any of them.
It will be recalled that at least 15 senators of the ruling party as well as about 37 members of the House of Representatives announced their defection mostly to the main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The development left the APC still in control of both the Senate and House of Representatives – APC-53, PDP-49, ADC-3, APGA-2, Vacant-2.
“As the saying goes, all politics is local. We understand that some of the distinguished and honourable lawmakers have issues with their home states, especially on zoning which bars some of them from seeking another term in their constituencies,” Buhari said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
Noting that the APC had done its utmost to stop the defections, the President commended the leadership of the party for relentlessly working for its unity and ensuring success in the upcoming elections.
According to the statement, “Buhari assured members of the APC of his total support and urged party faithful not to despair but to see the defections as a seasonal occurrence that happens on election eve.
“He expressed confidence that no harm or injury will be done to the party and its aspirations by the movements.
“President Buhari wished all the decamped members the best in their future undertakings.”
By Gboyega Adeoye
