‘I remain committed to APC’ — Ahmad Lawan dismisses defection rumours

Ahmad Lawan, former senate president, has dismissed reports suggesting that he is planning to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ezrel Tabiowo, media adviser to Lawan, said Lawan remains committed to the party’s tenets, describing reports of the purported defection as “entirely false, baseless, and without any merit”.

Lawan reaffirmed his loyalty to the APC, stating that he remains a steadfast member of the party, which he has been committed to since its formation.

“We wish to categorically state that these reports are entirely false, baseless, and without any merit. Senator Ahmad Lawan remains a steadfast and loyal member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he has proudly associated with and contributed to since its formation,” the statement reads.

“He remains a key stakeholder in the APC and will continue to work with the party and the government to ensure the success of their collective goals.”

Highlighting his political career spanning 25 years in the national assembly, Tabiowo said the former senate president is among the few Nigerian politicians with “no defection record since inception”.

“In 1999, he was elected into the house of representatives; and transitioned to the senate in 2007, on the platform of the All People’s Party (APP), which was later renamed ‘All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP)’. The ANPP was among the three minority parties that merged to birth the All Progressives Congress on 6th February, 2013,” the statement reads.

“Senator Lawan is a firm believer in the vision and principles of the APC, and he continues to work tirelessly with other party leaders and members to strengthen the party and advance its agenda for the betterment of our nation.

“Furthermore, senator Ahmad Lawan expresses his strong support for the policies and reforms of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration. He believes in the administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria and addressing the challenges facing the nation.”

He urged the public and party supporters to disregard the rumours, describing them as the work of mischief-makers “seeking to create unnecessary distractions and buzz for a mapped-out political agenda”.

“Senator Ahmad Lawan remains focused on his responsibilities as a lawmaker and a leader, and he is committed to supporting the APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in delivering good governance and sustainable development to all Nigerians.”