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 Peoples 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 as it is not a party occasion, and democracy needs opposition, one which is vibrant but responsible.
Read President Buhari’s full statement below:
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.
I thank you so much God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President @MBuhari meeting with PDP and APC Leaders at the State House this morning. PDP Chairman Sen Ahmed Makarfi arriving for the Meeting pic.twitter.com/e8LVwgESk4
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) August 25, 2017
See photos of their meeting below;
