…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
As the Nigerian Senate prepares to resume its proceedings, Senators Michael Opeyemi Bamidele of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Aminu Tambuwal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are poised to become the majority and minority leaders, respectively.
This announcement comes from the party leadership.
However, it is worth noting that Senators Ali Ndume (APC) and Adamu Aliero (PDP) are still expressing their interest in the majority and minority leadership positions.
Vacant Principal Positions to be Filled, Creating Tension among Senators
Upon the Senate’s resumption, both the ruling and minority parties are expected to fill the eight principal positions that are currently vacant.
While the nomination process for these positions should be straightforward, the scramble for these influential roles has caused some tension among senators.
Contest for Majority Leader Role Sparks Division and Marginalization Concerns
The race for the majority leader’s position primarily involves Senators Ndume and Bamidele, who played crucial roles in Godswill Akpabio’s campaign for the Senate presidency.
Advocates for both candidates have staunchly defended their contenders, intensifying the divisions within the Senate.
Lawmakers from the South West seeking the majority leader role could further exacerbate the existing divisions and the sentiments of marginalization expressed by legislators from the North.
Likelihood of Bamidele Being Favored for Majority Leader Position
Despite the tensions surrounding the majority leader position, sources within the presidency and the APC suggest that Senator Bamidele, who shares the same region as Akpabio, is likely to be favored for the role.
Traditionally, the majority leader is chosen from the same region as the Senate president, as seen in previous Senate configurations.
Official Confirmation of Nominees Pending
The APC has not yet officially confirmed its nominees for the leadership roles.
However, party stalwart Chief Jackson Lekan Ojo has indicated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to play a significant role in the decision-making process, much like he did during the recent selection of presiding officers.