the incoming 8th National Assembly who may be aggrieved after the
emergence of the party’s official candidates on Saturday.
The party said in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its National
Secretary, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, that it is natural for some members to be
disappointed by the outcome of the straw poll that was conducted to select
the party’s official candidates for the post: Senator Ahmed Lawan for
Senate President and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for Speaker, House of
Representatives.
”However, we must put the interest of our party above personal interests
and avoid a situation whereby any other candidates, apart from those
picked by the party, will emerge as Senate President and House Speaker on
Tuesday.
”Any outstanding issues will be resolved by the party so we won’t go into
Tuesday’s election with more than one candidate each for the two posts,
Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives,” it said, adding
that it would be a shame if, despite its majority in both chambers of the
National Assembly, the APC is unable to produce a Senate President and a
House Speaker of its choice.
APC explained that its role in the entire business of ensuring a common
front within the party ahead of Tuesday’s election is that of an honest
broker, saying its goal of ensuring that the party does not go into the
election with more than one candidate for each post has now been achieved.
The party appealed to all aggrieved members to sheathe their swords and
allow peace to reign, in the overall interest of not just the party but
the entire nation.