APC finally ‘accepts’ Saraki as senate president

The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will “live with” the election of Bukola Saraki as president of the senate and Yakubu Dogara as speaker of the federal house of representatives.

Both men were elected as principal leaders of the eighth national assembly on Tuesday, despite the party’s preference for Ahmad Lawan for the former office and Femi Gbajabiamila for the latter.

APC initially kicked against the election of Saraki and Dogara, branding their actions “treachery” and threatening to sanction them via appropriate party rules.

But speaking with state house correspondents on Friday, John Oyegun, national chairman of the party, said APC had accepted the turnout of events. However, he refused to castigate the lawmakers mulling court action, saying they were only exercising their constitutional rights by going to court.

Asked if the party had accepted Saraki as senate president, he said: “Of course! He has been duly elected by his colleagues. We have a reality and we must live with it.”

But asked why the meeting of APC leaders Saraki did not hold as scheduled on Thursday, he explained that lots of consultation were going on, and it was impossible for Saraki to be at two places simultaneously.

“But we have been talking,” he added. “We don’t want to make a song and dance of it; everything is being put in proper perspective.”

He also expressed confidence that the party will emerge stronger when the dust of the national assemble election settled.

“APC has faced greater challenges before and the latest one, too, will pass away,” he said.

“It is not the first or second time we have passed through this kind scenario and we came out strong. This may not even be the last time; we come out every time stronger and more determined.

“People say they are going to court, which is their right. But as a party, we are looking at everything and we are coming out strong.”