The All Progressives Congress (APC) Professional Network has urged the party leadership to address all the concerns that may cause defections from the party.

Victor Oluwafemi, president of the network, an organ of the party made up of experts, made the call in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

Mr Oluwafemi said that the defection of former Gov. Nasir el-Rufai and the comments thereafter raised concerns on party principles, loyalty, consistency and the commitment required to build a stronger APC.

He stated that Mr el-Rufai has been a prominent figure within the party and that his contributions to its growth and governance were significant.

While acknowledging the former governor’s right to association and political choice, he, however, said that the network could not ignore the impact of such action on the integrity and unity of APC.

According to him, the matter is not beyond resolution in spite of Mr el-Rufai’s sudden movement  to Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“We call on party leaders to strengthen this  internal cohesion and address concerns that may lead to further defections. More than ever, APC must demonstrate quality leadership and unity.

“The APC Professional Network remains committed to the vision and values of the APC,” he said.

Mr Oluwafemi said that the network would continue to work tirelessly to uphold the party’s principles of good governance, accountability and development.

He urged members and supporters to remain calm, focused and resolute in moving the party forward.

He said they must not allow the development to deter the collective goal of advancing the party’s agenda for a prosperous and united Nigeria.

“We remain committed to the ideals of the APC and assure all members that we will continue to engage constructively to ensure the party remains strong and united,” he said.

Mr el-Rufai, a founding member of APC had, in a statement on Monday, announced his decision to leave the party for SDP.

Part of the reason for leaving APC, he said, was that the party had ‘castrated its organs and treated its membership with contempt’.

The former governor claimed to have raised concerns in private and in public regarding the ‘capricious trajectory’ of the party.

He said that he had concluded to seek another political platform for the pursuit of the progressive values he cherished. 

(NAN)