We'll Talk To Real Boko Haram If Elected–APC

The Boko Haram scourge has become a cause of worry for the Nigerian government and its people. Several thousands of people have been killed since the group started its full onslaught in the north eastern region of Nigeria in 2009.

Government, private and religious facilities have been destroyed by the deadly terrorist group for over four years. And from the way they are presently going, they want to control the northern Nigeria.

Already, they have captured some areas in Nigeria, which are directly under their control.

Efforts by the government to stop the group have yielded no meaningful results. Even the Nigerian military seems to have been overpowered by the Islamic sect.

In the past five years, there have been blame games, with accusing fingers being pointed at some people in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sometimes ago, President Goodluck Jonathan, reportedly claimed some supporters of Boko Haram were in his government, but he refused to mention names or bring them to book for truncating his administration.

His former National Security Adviser, NSA, Patrick Azazi, in a speech, claimed sponsors of Boko Haram were in the PDP. But shortly after he made that ‘heroic’ statement, he was removed. And not too long after, he was killed in a plane crash in 2012.

Some weeks ago, the Federal Government claimed it signed a ceasefire truce with Boko Haram. The deal, the Nigerian government said, was also to secure the release of over 200 schoolgirls in custody of the insurgents.

But in a video later released by the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, he denied reaching a deal with Nigeria. Shekau claimed the Nigerian government may have dealt with an impostor.

However, the APC has said it could strike a deal with the real Boko Haram if elected into Aso Rock in 2015.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, speaking as a guest on a Channels TV programme on Friday, November 14, 2014, also disclosed that his party could help negotiate with the real insurgents if the government humbles itself to approach them (APC).

“If the Federal Government of Nigeria wants us to negotiate with Boko Haram on their behalf, then they should approach us formally,” Lai said.

“We shall negotiate with the genuine Boko Haram members as soon as we get into power not the fake ones they are talking to,” the APC spokesman added.

Before now, there have been allegations that the APC was behind Boko Haram. Some even described Boko Haram as the military wing of the Nigeria’s main opposition party.

APC was born after some key political parties in Nigeria formed alliance.

The All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP; the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; and the Congress for Progressives Change, CPC formed the APC in 2013.