Dr Bukola SarakiSenate President, Dr Bukola Saraki on Friday, played host to Forum of All Progressives Congress, APC, state Chairmen from the 36 states of the federation, including the federal capital territory, at the National Assembly.

However, seven of the party's chairmen from the South-West, were absent, thus sending signal of worsening leadership tussle in the party despite spirited efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari in dousing the tension.

Dr Saraki, who was visibly worried while addressing the forum, however, assured them that the party would come out stronger after the crises.

He noted that there was no cause for alarm despite the seemingly chaotic situation.

His words, "I want assure all of you that APC remains strong; we will not abandon the party and there is no alternative to APC for now".

In his brief speech, he expressed optimism that APC led government would succeed under President Buhari and that the legislature would lend him all the necessary support.

He thus commended the steadfastness of the state chairmen in the conduct of party affairs at the state and grassroot level, which occasioned its success in the last general elections.

He was emphatic that despite gloomy situations, some faithful state APC chairmen remained undaunted, promising that they would benefit from their labour.

In his response, Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Umar Haruna Doguwa, from Kano state commended the Senate President for acceding to amicable resolution of leadership imbroglio rocking the party in the recent weeks.

He pointed out that the move by President Muhammadu Buhari during the National Executive Committee meeting today in Abuja, towards resolving the crises, was the right step in the right direction.