The All Progressive Congress (APC) has defended the decision by its members in the National Assembly to consult with members of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with regards to the leadership of the 9th Assembly.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, such consultations were normal in a democracy.
Issa-Onilu maintained that contrary to media reports in some quarters, members of the APC that had been engaging in such consultations with members of the opposition had not contravened the party’s Constitution.
“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,” he said.
He noted that the opposition has a major role to play in a democracy especially in a scenario when the ruling party do not have a clear cut majority required at some critical situations.
According to him, the party was particularly not averse to negotiation by Sen. Ahmed Lawan, and its other Senators-elect working to fulfill the position taken by it.
“It is important to note that one of the key considerations for adopting Lawan as the party’s candidate for the Senate Presidency is his ability to carry everyone along.
“The party has confidence in him not to compromise the progressive ideology of APC, so clearly, Sen. Ahmed Lawan is capable of conducting his negotiations within the prism of APC’s objectives,” he said.
The APC spokesman said further disclosed that the party would soon release its zoning and leadership arrangements for principal officers of the incoming 9th Assembly in the coming days.