…By Babatunde Lucas for TDPel Media.
The Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors (TSA) and the National Forum for All Progressive Congress (APC) Ward Chairmen in Niger State have emphasized the importance of including the Northcentral region in the party’s zoning of leadership positions for the 10th National Assembly.
Mixed Reactions: While some stakeholders in the region feel that the appointment of George Akume as the Secretary General of the Federation (SGF) addressed their concerns, others insist that the Northcentral must be represented in the party’s zoning arrangement.
Previous Endorsements:
The APC leadership had previously endorsed Godswill Akpabio from the South-South as the preferred candidate for Senate President and Jibrin Barau from Kano North as the preferred candidate for the deputy position.
They also proposed Abbass Tajudeen from the North-West for Speaker of the House of Representatives and Benjamin Kalu from the South-East for Deputy Speaker.
Insistence on Northcentral Representation:
Prince Oyelude Oladele, the Director General of TSA, stated that the APC National Working Committee must consider the Northcentral.
He argued that the North West already had two principal offices in the 10th National Assembly, while other geopolitical zones were left out.
Appeal for Balanced Representation:
Oladele emphasized the need for fairness and requested that the four presiding officer positions of the National Assembly be shared among the South-South, North West, North Central, and South East regions.
He highlighted the existing presence of the President and Vice President from the South West and North East, respectively.
Conclusion:
The call for the inclusion of the Northcentral region in the APC’s zoning of leadership positions for the National Assembly reflects the region’s desire for representation.
Stakeholders argue that the North West should not occupy two key positions, while other regions are excluded.
They appeal to the APC National Working Committee to consider a balanced distribution of leadership roles across the various geopolitical zones.