The All Progressives Congress (APC) has said it has no problem with Senate Presidential hopeful, Ahmad Lawan, reaching out to members of the PDP for help, provided he doesn’t stray from the party’s objectives.
Speaking on behalf of the APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, its publicity secretary, said it is normal democratic process “to stretch hands across the divides.”
“Let me state that our party has no objection to such consultations,” he said.
“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 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.
“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.”
Issa-Onilu said the party would soon release zoning arrangements for the principal positions of the incoming assembly.
“The party will also make its position clear in the coming days on the principal positions in the house of representatives,” he said.