- The APC says it is not opposed to consultations its members are holding with members of the opposition over the election of leaders in the 9th National Assembly
- The APC national publicity secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the ruling party's stance known in a statement on Sunday, April 14
- The ruling party said such consultations was a normal democratic practice world over
The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is not opposed to consultations Senator Ahmed Lawan and other APC members are holding with members of the opposition over the election of leaders into the 9th National Assembly.
The APC national publicity secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made the ruling party's stance known in a statement sent to Legit.ng on Sunday, April 14.
He said contrary to the view that the party objected to such consultations, it was a normal democratic practice world over, adding that the actions of Lawan and other members did not contradict its position since APC has comfortable majority in both chambers with the number to produce the leadership.
There has been reports of Senate Leader Ahmad Lawan, who has been adopted for Senate President, holding meetings with members of the opposition, but Issa-Onilu said that Lawan was adopted by the party for the position in the first place because of his ability to carry everyone along, which is needed for such a position.
READ ALSO: 9th NASS: APC governors, others endorse Lawan, Gbajabiamila’s candidature, says Gov Shettima
He also said that the party will announce its zoning arrangement for the National Assembly leadership in the coming days.
The statement read: “We are inundated with reports of our members in the National Assembly holding consultations with members of the opposition over the election of leaders into the 9th National Assembly.
“Let me state that our party has no objection to such consultations. It is a normal democratic practice world over to stretch hands across the divides.
“And contrary to some media reports, the actions of our members do not contradict the party's position. APC has comfortable majority in both chambers, therefore; we have the number to produce the leadership.
“But democracy recognises the importance of the opposition. Especially when you do not have two-third which would be required at some very critical situations. For us as a ruling party, we understand that a stable and peaceful National Assembly would enhance our capacity to deliver more for the people of Nigeria.
“So the party is not averse to negotiation by Senator Ahmed Lawan and our other senators-elect working to fulfill the position taken by our party.
“It is important to note that one of the key considerations for adopting him as the party's candidate for the Senate Presidency is his ability to carry everyone along.
“On top of that, the party has confidence in him not to compromise the progressive ideology of APC. So clearly, Senator Ahmed Lawan is capable of conducting his negotiations within the prism of APC's objectives.’’
On zoning and leadership of House of Representatives, the APC spokesman said: “Our party will soon release the zoning arrangements for the principal positions of the incoming 9th National Assembly.
“The party will also make its position clear in the coming days on the principal positions in the House of Representatives.’’
READ ALSO: APC leadership reportedly endorses south-south for Deputy Senate Presidency
Meanwhile, a former minister of sports and APC chieftain, Bala Ka’oje, has faulted the endorsement of certain individuals for leadership positions by the ruling party ahead of the inauguration of the 9th National Assembly.
The APC chieftain stated that the ruling party ought to have zoned the positions to regions and not to individuals, adding that the national chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, can't appoint leaders of the National Assembly.
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Source: Legit.ng
