Senator says he's not leaving APC yet because he's not a rabbit

Senator Shehu Sani (Kaduna Central - APC) has restated his commitment to stay with the All Progressives Congress (APC) and not get baited with juicy carrots like a rabbit, unlike many of his colleagues that have defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The APC has lost dozens of lawmakers, including Senate President, Bukola Saraki, three state governors and several state executives to opposition parties, mostly the PDP, in just one week.

Despite publicly airing his problems with the party over the past few months, Senator Sani said he remains with ruling party "for now".

He made the pledge while speaking during an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, August 2, 2018, noting that he won't be easily lured like his colleagues.

The senator disclosed that the PDP enticed lawmakers with promises of automatic tickets for their re-election bids, but he said he's ready for any competition within the APC.

He said, "I heard that senators were promised juicy carrots and I am not a rabbit. But what I know very well is the PDP that promised the automatic tickets.

"The APC said there is no automatic ticket and I believe I am very much prepared for any form of primaries."

The lawmaker said politicians leaving the party in protest is not an effective way to resolve conflicts.

"It is natural to protest and even to strike, but when issues are put on the table and they are about to be addressed, I think you should give it a listening ear," he said.

Saraki cannot be impeached - Sani

Senator Sani also noted that the attempts to remove Saraki as the leader of the senate due to his defection will not be successful.

He said, "What I advise is that it is dangerous to attempt to circumvent the law to remove the leadership of the National Assembly. And there are ways we can address these issues.

"From my knowledge of what is happening particularly in the Senate, the numbers are not there. The numbers to remove the Senate President are not there. Also, the numbers to remove those on the side of the President are not there,” he added."

The lawmaker also called for the executive and legislature to build an harmonious relationship for the good of the nation.