President says defection of Saraki, others won't affect APC in 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has boasted that the wave of defections that recently hit the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not affect its chances ahead of the 2019 general elections.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki, three state governors - Ahmed Abdulfatah (Kwara), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) and Samuel Ortom (Benue), as well as dozens of members of the National Assembly recently dumped the party with most joining the ranks of the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP).

While addressing the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party during its meeting in Abuja on Thursday, August 30, 2018, Buhari said the defections will not hurt the party because of its strong structure.

He commended party chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, for his efforts to stop the defections of "some members who were hellbent on pulling down the roof". He said despite the defections, the party still holds firm and has received "quality people" in return.

He said, "Let me congratulate the current leadership of our party, led by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The team emerged at a turbulent time when there were rumours and speculations of massive defections in such a way that could rock the very foundation of the party.

"Despite reconciliatory attempts to keep the house together, some members were hellbent on pulling down the roof. They left, threatening to go along with scores of people.

"But due to the work of the new party leadership, their exit barely made a dent on our super structure as they could not muster the figure they had envisaged to cause an upset, particularly in the two chambers of the National Assembly."

Buhari urges APC to conduct credible primary elections

While commending the Oshiomhole-led National Working Committee (NWC) for working towards making the party stronger, he urged the NEC to make good decisions that'll put the party in good stead for the 2019 elections.

He said, "Any political party worth its salt must get its internal dynamics right and march as a team towards a decisive time such as a major election in the country.

"Today, we are meeting to look at some major decisions that will ensure an excellent performance at the polls next year.

"Starting with party primaries at various levels, I urge you all to ensure that decisions taken here are those that will be for the good of the party and meet the yearnings and expectations of our teeming members and supporters nationwide.

"They look up to us for guidance and we must not disappoint or fail them."

The president also promised that his administration will continue to fulfill promises made to Nigerians and urged the party to commit to conducting free, fair and credible primary elections.