Pat Steven/
The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomhole, has described the defection of some party members as a welcome development.
Oshiomhole reportedly told journalists today after a meeting with President Muhamamdu Buhari at the State House that the defectors were mercenaries the party was glad to be rid of.
He said the party would always listen to genuine grievances, noting, “We have a lot of big masquerades without electoral value.”
He added that the President got more votes than the defectors in their constituencies during the 2015 polls.
Oshiomhole’s statement came a few hours after some members in the National Assembly dumped the ruling party for the Peoples Democratic Party and the African Demoçratic Congress.
The APC, in its official reaction, also told its members and supporters not to be flustered by the loss of some elected representatives and senators to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
In a statement by Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, its National Publicity Secretary on Tuesday in Abuja, the party said it would continue to consolidate on its majority status both in the House of Representatives and 25 states, ahead of the 2019 general elections.
Abdullahi said the Buhari administration would continue to work harder to deliver on its campaign promises to Nigerians.
“The APC notes the development in the National Assembly with the defection of some of our members from the party.
“In the last couple of weeks our party leaders have worked to stave off this situation as responsible party leaders would do.
“It would appear however, that the individuals involved have different considerations beyond the grievances that they were willing to discuss and which our leaders were willing to address,”it said.
The APC said as a truly democratic party, it respects the right of every citizen to political association.
It therefore, urged its members to remain calm as it continues to work hard to position the party strongly for the next general elections.
The statement added that the APC remains in firm control of 25 states of the 36 states of the federation and maintains a clear majority in the Federal House of Representatives and State Assemblies.
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