[dropcap]P[/dropcap]resident Muhammadu Buhari late Wednesday night met with Senators on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. But Senate President, Bukola Saraki who has not officially defected from the party was conspicuously absent during the meeting.
Though there was no official statement on the agenda and outcome of the meeting, it was believed that the gale of defection that hit the ruling party Tuesday in the two chambers of the National Assembly was the issue in focus.
Altogether, 42 out of 53 expected senators attended the meeting including Senator Lanre Tejuoso who earlier defected but failed to name any political party he had moved to.
The delegation according to reports was led by the Senate leader, Ahmed Lawan.
Among Senators present at the meeting include: Adamu Aleiro, Bala Ibn Na-Allah, Aliyu Wamako, Ibrahim Gobir, Kabiru Marafa, Abu Ibrahim, Kabiru Gaya, Barau Jibrin, Abdullahi Gumel, Shehu Sani, Ahmed Lawan, Ali Ndume, Abubakar Kyari, Baba Kaka Garbai, Aliyu Abdullahi, David Umaru, Abdullahi Adamu, George Akume, Francis Alimekhina, Andrew Uchendu, Magnus Abe, Ovie Omo-Agege, John Enoh, Nelson Effiong, Andy Uba, Sunny Ugboji, Hope Uzodinma.
Others are Ben Uwajimogu, Yusuf Yusuf, Oluremi Tinubu, Gbenga Ashafa, Solomon Adeola, Tayo Alasoadura, Soji Akanbi, Ajayi Boroface, Yele Omogunwa, Fatima Rasaki, Olanrewaju Tejuoso, Yahaya Abdullahi.
While making self introduction, Tejuoso told Buhari, “your son has returned back” to which Buhari replied, “what would I have told Kabiyesi”, referring to Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, Okeona of Egbaland. When the meeting kicked off properly State House reporters were asked to excuse the meeting.
National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress Adams Oshiomhole, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari including Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Ita Enang were present.