Senate President Ahmad Lawan has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) may face challenges at the end of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure in 2023.
In a speech delivered to close the First Progressives Youth Conference 2021 which was held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, Lawan outlined the need to build the party so it can retain its appeal and nationalistic outlook beyond the 2023 general elections.
He said;
“Whether we like it or not, the truth is, President Muhammadu Buhari remains the person with the bulk of the support we get across this country in APC.
“[And] when he leaves, he would still have some roles, but I daresay that it is after he leaves office that APC will face its challenge.
“Yes, we have to know our value then, and the value of APC presently is APC minus President Muhammadu Buhari. Whatever it is, that is the value of APC.
“So, we need to do a lot to build this party, and we need our youths more than ever before for them to continue with this legacy that this administration has established all over the country.
“That means we have to see our selves as brothers and sisters regardless of where we come from.
“Our tribe or even ethnic group, our religious persuasion should not matter when it comes to uniting this country.
“[And] as APC, the onus is on us to provide security and an economy that will bring growth and development to give people the kind of life that is meaningful.
“We can ask others to join us, but we are the ones to do it, so we need all hands on deck.”
The Senate President also claimed that the APC was unable to deliver on most of its promises to Nigerians due to the feud between the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government.
Lawan added;
“When we were voted in 2019 as leaders of the National Assembly, we were conscious of one thing, that our mandate that was given to us by Nigerians in 2015 had suffered disruption and dislocation.
“For four years (2015 to 2019), our government could not perform optimally because of the then crisis between the parliament – the National Assembly – and the Executive arm of government.
“So, APC had already lost four very important years. And, that was supposed to be the years that we should have convinced Nigerians that they took the right decision by voting out a PDP administration in 2015.
“What are our options? We are one party in different arms of government. Our policies are supposed to be the same. Our programmes and projects are supposed to be the same, whether you’re in the legislature or the executive.
“So long as you are APC, that is your programme and project, that is your government and you are bound to make it succeed.
“So, we took the conscious decision of working in harmony that our relationship must be characterized by consultation, coordination, partnership and mutual respect, that we must succeed in the second tenure (2019 – 2023).
“Otherwise, in 2023, many would like to see our backs if you can’t provide the services expected of you in your first four years.
“[And] you to change and do better, why would anybody give you eight years?
“So, we felt we have an obligation to Nigerians who voted for us, to our people in APC and to our country, that we must work in such a fashion and manner that government is able to deliver services to Nigerians.”
Lawan also revealed that the ongoing constitutional amendment will ensure inclusion of youths in governance.
“Power is not given by opposition. When were out of power or when we came in, another party was in control of the country – the PDP.
“There was no way the PDP could have given us power a la carte, but the people of Nigeria mobilized and, of course, that government was voted out.
“But when it is a family affair, and this is my position, power is given not taken. Imagine yourself and your children, you want them to be better than you.
“But when you say power will not be given, that family is dysfunctional. So, power is given and can be given. How I wish it would be given.
“I am with you and I am on your side. I am still on the side that we can give power to our youths.
“We should enable them, prepare them and tell them this is the way to go. You have seen us do it, and you can do better because of the energy and capacity that you have.
“These days, our youths have more capacities, what they may lack is that clout.
“So, we also have to mentor our youths, but we have to give them the opportunity to participate in governance.
“I really feel we can do better to have more youths and more women in our government and party positions.”
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