Buhari To PDP, APC Leaders: Democracy Needs Vibrant But Responsible Opposition | The Precision

Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Friday met with leaders of the
two major political parties in the country- the ruling All Progressives
Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the Presidential Villa,
Abuja.

The APC delegation was led by the party’s National Chairman,
Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; while the Chairman of the PDP’s Caretaker
Committee, Ahmed Makarfi, led the opposition party’s delegation to the
meeting.

Buhari in his remarks described the visit by the two main political parties as signifying the unity of the country.

The President noted that a democracy needs a vibrant but
responsible opposition, adding that opposition does not translate to
hostility and antagonism.

He thanked all Nigerians for praying for his recovery and
asked them to continue to pray for the peace and prosperity of the
country.

The President said, “I thank you sincerely, collectively and
individually for finding time from your busy schedules to come all the
way to Abuja and welcome me back home.

“This visit signifies the unity of Nigeria. It is not a
party occasion. It is not a political gathering. It is a symbol of our
national unity. It is also an expression of the maturity of our
democracy.

“Multi-party democracy is a very tried and tested form of
government; opposition does not mean hostility, enmity or antagonism.
Democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.

“I am very pleased to see you assembled here all shades of
opinion in Nigeria. Please convey to our countrymen and women in your
respective states my deep gratitude to all those who prayed for my
recovery. I am imploring all Nigerians to continue praying for peace and
prosperity in Nigeria.”

Makarfi promised that the PDP will continue to support Buhari in his efforts aimed at moving the nation forward. (PUNCH)

Source: The Precision