NASS Defection: We Would Have Addressed Lawmakers’ Grievances, APC Laments

The embattled All Progressives Congress, APC has lamented the mass defection of its members in the National Assembly.

No fewer than 14 senators under the platform of the APC defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on Tuesday, while 1 senator defected to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Shortly after the defection, 37 members of the House of Representatives defected from Nigeria’s ruling APC, citing division at all levels of the APC as the reason for their defection.

In its reactions, the APC in a statement by spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi, said the party was still in “firm control” of 25 states of the 36 states of the federation.

The party said it was obvious that the defectors have “different considerations beyond the grievances that they were willing to discuss and which our leaders were willing to address”.

It however urged its members to remain calm, saying it would continue to prepare the party towards 2019.

The statement read, “APC notes the development in the National Assembly with the defection of some of our members from the party.

“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.

“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.

“As a truly democratic party, we respect the right of every citizen to political association. Therefore, we urge our members to remain calm as we continue to work hard to position our party strongly for the next general elections.

“We assure members and supporters that our great party will continue to consolidate on our majority status in the leadup to the 2019 General Elections, even as our government continue to work hard to deliver on our promises to Nigerians.”