‘Once bitten twice shy,’ APC chairman warns senators-elect not to be late to inauguration

National chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Adamu says senators-elect on the platform of the party should not be late to the inauguration of the 10th senate to prevent what happened in 2015.

In 2015, Bukola Saraki, a former governor of Kwara, became the senate president against the plan of the ruling party, after he formed an alliance with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators.

Speaking at a meeting with APC senators-elect in Abuja on Tuesday, Adamu said he wanted the senate to have a rancour-free election when the upper legislative chamber is inaugurated in June.

“I’m happy that we are heeding the advice and directives we gave to make consultations and it is good that is going on and I’m happy that it is been very fruitful,” he said.

“We wait till the third of June on the floor of the house. I want us to have a rancour-free election on the floor. Because even if everybody says it is Akpabio or Y or X, the rules of the game say there must be an election.

“Those who are in the senate are aware of the rules. On the day of the proclamation, the president and the clerk make the proclamation. So I do hope and pray that we will carry the day and be victorious.

“But let me warn you, don’t be late. I hope I am communicating. Don’t be late. Once bitten twice shy.”

Also speaking, Godswill Akpabio, a former minister, who has been nominated by the APC to be senate president, asked Adamu to ensure that every member aligns with the party’s nominees for national assembly leadership.

“I want to appeal through you that you talk to some members of APC who have still not supported the party’s decision,” he said.

“When I was young I was told about three Gs to fear. One is God, then the gun and the government. Both the Bible and the Quran asked us to respect leadership because that is the only way to progress. We urge you to talk to them because that’s the only way to progress.

“We have interacted with the governor of Lagos, Kastina and even Rivers state governor to tell them about our plans and policies.”