The All Progressives Congress (APC) has stated that Senator Ahmed Lawan was free to consult with members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the election of leaders of the Ninth National Assembly.
The party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, had while supporting the party’s choice of Lawan as the next Senate President, stated that the APC did not need members of the PDP to produce the next presiding officials of the National Assembly.
There were however recent reports stating that Lawan has been reaching out to members of the opposition.
In a statement on Sunday released to newsmen, the APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said the ruling party was not against negotiation by Lawan and other senators-elect working to fulfil the position taken by the party.
He said, “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 Ninth 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 a 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 fulfil 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.“
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