In a rare display of maturity, President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, congratulated members of the All Progressives Congress in the National Assembly who defected to other parties, particularly, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He however described the defection as a “seasonal occurrence that happens on election eve.”
This is as he also expressed his total commitment to the values of democracy, freedom of choice as well as total willingness to work with all members of the National Assembly, irrespective of their political party, for the benefit of the nation.
Buhari made the remark in a statement made by his media aide, Mallam Garba Shehu, on Tuesday.
No fewer than 15 senators left the APC.
36 members of the House of Representatives also defected.
In his reaction, Buhari said none of the legislators that defected had any specific grievances against him or the government.
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He also said he did not harbour anything against any of them.
“As the saying goes, all politics is local. We understand that some of the distinguished and honourable lawmakers have issues with their home states, especially on zoning which bars some of them from seeking another term in their constituencies,” he said.
He noted that the APC had, however done its utmost to stop the defections to no avail.
The president commended the leadership of the party for relentlessly working for its unity and ensuring success in the upcoming elections.
President Buhari assured members of the APC of his total support and urged party faithful not to despair but to see the defections as a seasonal occurrence that happens on election eve.
He expressed confidence that no harm or injury would be done to the party and its aspirations by the movements.
President Buhari wished all the decamped members the best in their future undertakings.
