By Dansu Peter
Some lawmakers of the ruling All Progressives Congress have confirmed secret talks are on advanced stage for a possible defection to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP ahead of the 2019 general elections.
According to The Nation Newspaper, the PDP as part of its plot to wrestle power from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019, has commenced secret talks with some APC Senators and members of the House of Representatives for the purpose of luring them.
But most of those contacted want an automatic return ticket to the National Assembly.
The party is yet to accede to the request.
Investigation according to The Nation indicated that the PDP is already making an inroad into the National Assembly to consolidate its rebranding process.
The Nation Newspaper detailed that a top source, who spoke in confidence, said: “Apart from some former governors and ex-leaders who defected to APC, the opposition party has opened talks with some Senators and members of the House of Representatives to defect to PDP.
“Some of those affected include Senators and Representatives as ‘electoral assets’ who can give APC a good fight in 2019 in their districts and constituencies.
“A few of the Senators are also technically no longer in APC due to alleged disagreement with their governors and party leaders.
“The secret talks have started with the hope that PDP might strengthen its hold as an opposition party.
“The legal implications of the defection of the lawmakers are being looked into by a team.”
Responding to a question, the source added: “We have had four to five meetings in the past few weeks since the Supreme Court judgment on the crisis in PDP.”
Findings revealed that an APC Senator was celebrated yesterday in Abuja at a function as “a leader who will soon join PDP.”
The Senator, who did not deny the announcement, was at peace with the applause which greeted his proposed defection.
A member of the House of Representatives, who spoke with our correspondent, said: ” Some of us have been getting overtures from PDP in the spirit of reconciliation but we want a commitment that our return ticket to the House will be guaranteed.
“We have not seen the green light on automatic return ticket yet. But return ticket is certainly a major issue if we are to go back to PDP.
“I and some colleagues have attended some meetings on why we should go back to PDP.”
Another House member said: “Some of our leaders are really discussing with PDP. We will follow once we get a directive from these leaders.
“In politics, there is no permanent friend but you have a permanent enemy, who is your opponent from any party.”
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