…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
With the upcoming inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, the consensus candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the seat of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, is facing increasing opposition from within the party.
Despite being named by the APC National Working Committee (NWC) as the consensus candidate alongside Barau Jibrin for the Deputy Senate President position, both candidates have encountered significant resistance from party members.
Withdrawal of Support for Akpabio
As the inauguration draws near, even senators-elect who had previously supported Akpabio are now withdrawing their support.
One senator-elect expressed concerns about Akpabio’s suitability to lead the National Assembly, citing his previous disdain for the institution while serving as the Minister of Niger Delta.
The senator-elect highlighted that many others have also withdrawn their support, signaling a loss of confidence in Akpabio’s candidacy.
The senator-elect raised questions about how Akpabio could preside over an institution he once labeled as corrupt, having benefited from it himself.
Warning Against Interference
Furthermore, Sumaila Kawu, a senator-elect from Kano State, cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against interfering in the election of presiding officers for the two chambers of the 10th National Assembly.
Kawu emphasized that the Constitution clearly outlines the procedures for the selection of these officers.
He referred to the 9th Standing Orders of the Senate, which details the process for electing Presiding Officers.
Kawu also cited Section 50(1)a and Section 50(1)b of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which state that the President and Deputy President of the Senate, as well as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, are to be elected by the members of their respective houses from among themselves.
Kawu stressed that the election of these officers is an internal affair that should be left to the members of the National Assembly.
He cautioned against repeating past mistakes and referenced the incidents of the 7th and 8th National Assembly.
Conclusion
Godswill Akpabio’s bid for the Senate President position is facing mounting opposition from within the APC, with senators-elect withdrawing their support due to concerns about his previous statements and actions.
Additionally, Sumaila Kawu has warned against external interference in the election process, emphasizing the need for the National Assembly members to have the autonomy to select their presiding officers.
As the 10th National Assembly’s inauguration approaches, the political landscape remains dynamic, and the outcomes of these internal party dynamics will soon become clear.