THE PARTY IS SUPERIOR TO YOU - BUHARI TELLS LAWMAKERS.

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, has told the All Progressives Congress’ lawmakers in the National Assembly to accept the party’s superiority in the interest of democracy.

In his opening speech at the ongoing meeting of National Executive Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Buhari urged the party members to put whatever interest they have in their “pocket” and accept the supremacy of the party.

He said: “The election has come and gone and the APC has won the battle and lost the war.

“This is the paradox of democracy and we shall see how we can manage it.

“I have appealed to you through the chairman, the leadership of the party, Governors, Senators and the House of Representatives that the APC must not disappoint its constituency as the nation State.

“Let us not throw this success to the wind. Let us as members of APC, no matter our personal differences, get together and meet the mandate given to us by this country.

“This is my personal appeal and in the name of God, whatever your personal interest is and your vision, please, keep it close to your heart and in your pocket,” President Buhari cautioned.

He further appealed to the party members to do their best to deliver on the mandate given to the party by Nigerians.

“Let APC work; let the system work and let us have a government that will earn the respect of our constituency.

“I appeal to you to accept the superiority of the party. I cannot confine myself in Sambisa Forest and refuse to participate in the meeting because I respect the superiority of the party,” he stressed.

President Buhari’s statement is believed to be in connection with the wrangling in the National Assembly over the choice of principal officers.

At the meeting are the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, members of the National Working Committee of the party, the 22 APC Governors, APC State Chairmen and representatives from the zones.

The crisis rocking the ruling party, especially as it affects the National Assembly leadership, is expected to top talks at the NEC meeting.

It was gathered that the constitution of the party’s board of trustees, as approved by the National Working Committee, may also be discussed by the APC leaders.