…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Division in the APC and Opposition Party over Leadership of 10th National Assembly
Former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, has stated that lawmakers are beginning to withdraw their support for Senator Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the 10th Senate Presidency.
There is currently division within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and among lawmakers from the opposition party regarding the emergence of the leadership of the 10th National Assembly.
Endorsements and Contested Claims
President Bola Tinubu and some APC stakeholders have reportedly endorsed Akpabio as Senate President, with Senator Barau Jubrin as his deputy.
However, some party chieftains contest this endorsement.
over the weekend, Senator Yari, who is also vying for the 10th Senate Presidency, claimed that many lawmakers are deserting Akpabio’s camp and shifting their allegiance to him.
Money and Allegations in the Race
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, the campaign director-general of the Yari for Senate President group, responded to a statement made by Senator Ali Ndume of the Akpabio campaign group.
Senator Ibrahim highlighted that no one in Nigeria has more money to spend on politics than a former governor of a South-South state.
He suggested that Ndume’s statement indicates his panic as he sees the majority of Senators shifting their support from Akpabio to Yari.
Akpabio’s Checkered History and Potential Implications
Senator Ibrahim further highlighted Akpabio’s checkered history with the Senate, including accusations of throwing colleagues under the bus and linking federal lawmakers to contracts.
Akpabio has also faced allegations of financial recklessness during his time at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
These allegations, along with a toxic relationship with the National Assembly, could polarize the 10th assembly and divert its attention from constitutional duties and obligations to the people.
Conclusion:
Senator Yari’s claims of lawmakers withdrawing support from Akpabio’s Senate Presidency bid, along with the contested endorsements and allegations against Akpabio, suggest a shifting dynamic in the race for the 10th Senate Presidency.
The outcome of this contest will significantly impact the future leadership and direction of the National Assembly.