Shehu Sani Reacts To Saraki’s Defection, Advises Presidency

The lawmaker representing Kaduna Central district, Senator Shehu Sani, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and the National Assembly on the next step to take after the defection of some leaders from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Sani gave his advice in a piece on his Facebook page on Wednesday, one day after Senate President Bukola Saraki and two others announced their exit from the ruling party.

READ ALSO: Why I Defected From APC To PDP – Saraki’s Full Statement

In the write-up titled ‘Defections and The Way Forward’, Senator Sani said, “In view of the current reality, it’s possible to have a harmonious working relationship between the parliament led by the opposition, and the Presidency led by the ruling party, in the remaining lifespan of this political dispensation.”

The lawmaker, however, said such objective could only be achieved if the Presidency and the National Assembly put the interest of the country first.

He added, “The Executive should respect the decision of those who chose to defect, maintain a cordial relationship with them and never attempt to persecute any of them for their individual political decisions.

“The Parliament led by the opposition must not be a stumbling block for government policies and programmes, and the person of the President and his office must be accorded the highest respect it deserves.”

Senator Sani noted that both sides must stop “inflammatory statements and plots”, as well as be committed to working towards addressing the nation’s chronic security challenges and the success of the upcoming general elections.

Senate President Saraki had disclosed in a statement personally signed by him on Tuesday that he was leaving the APC after extensive consultations and efforts to ensure a harmonious existence in the party proved futile.

The other two APC members who defected are Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and Mr Ahmed Ibeto who resigned his position as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Earlier, Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom and dozens of lawmakers in the National Assembly had also dumped the APC for the PDP.