As Nigeria gears up for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has made it clear that they are looking for a Senate President who understands their needs, rather than someone who will go against the party’s wishes like Bukola Saraki did in 2015.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the APC in Lagos State, emphasized that the party wants to avoid another Saraki-esque scenario that would waste the time of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Saraki, who was once a member of the APC, became Senate President in 2015 against the wishes of the party, causing tension and division among party members. He later defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and his move was seen as a betrayal by many APC members.
The top contenders for the Senate Presidency include the incumbent Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Ali Ndume, Akpabio Godswill, Orji Uzoh Kalu, Jibrin Barau, and Mohammed Sani Musa.
Ahmed Lawan, who is seen as the favorite to retain his position, has received the backing of many APC chieftains and supporters, who believe that he is a loyal party member and will work in the best interest of the party.
Ali Ndume, who once held the position of Senate Leader before he was removed, is seen as a strong contender for the position. He has stated that he would not go against the party’s wishes if elected as Senate President, and would work with the executive to move the country forward.
Akpabio Godswill, who is a former governor of Akwa Ibom State and a current senator, is also a contender for the position. He is believed to have the support of some party leaders in the South-South region.
Orji Uzoh Kalu, a former governor of Abia State and a current senator, is another contender for the position. He is seen as a strong ally of President Muhammadu Buhari and has the support of some APC chieftains.
Jibrin Barau, who is the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, is also in the running for the position. He is seen as a loyal party member who would work with the executive to implement the party’s agenda.
Mohammed Sani Musa, who is a first-term senator from Niger State, is the final contender for the position. He is seen as a dark horse in the race, but has been actively campaigning for the position.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
