In anticipation of the upcoming inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a potential challenge to its zoning formula for the office of the Senate President.
Concerns have emerged that some senators-elect have withdrawn their support for Senator Godswill Akpabio, the candidate endorsed by the APC.
The situation escalated when Sumaila Kawu, a senator-elect from Kano State, cautioned President Bola Tinubu against interfering in the selection of presiding officers for the two chambers of the 10th National Assembly.
It appears that senators-elect who had previously expressed support for Akpabio are now reconsidering their stance due to concerns related to his previous relationship with the National Assembly during his tenure as Minister of the Niger Delta.
Three years ago, during a public hearing by the House of Representatives to investigate corruption allegations at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Akpabio reportedly implicated lawmakers as major beneficiaries of contracts.
Some of the senators-elect have indicated that they are having second thoughts about supporting Akpabio due to accusations that he disrespected the legislature by openly accusing National Assembly members of benefiting from NDDC contracts without providing evidence.
A senator-elect, speaking anonymously, confirmed the withdrawal of support for Akpabio, questioning how he could preside over an institution he once criticized.
The senator-elect stated that many others have also withdrawn their support, and this change in sentiment will be reflected on the floor.
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Deputy Director-General of the Akpabio/Barau Campaign Organisation, made an appeal on Monday to senators-elect to back Akpabio’s bid for the Senate Presidency.
Meanwhile, Kawu emphasized that the constitution clearly outlines the procedures for electing the President and Deputy President of the Senate.
He referred to Chapter 2 of the 9th Standing Orders of the Senate 2022 (as amended) and Section 50(1)a of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), which state that these positions should be elected by the members of the National Assembly.
Kawu emphasized that the election of these presiding officers is an internal affair exclusive to the National Assembly members.
He stressed the importance of allowing them to decide who will occupy these positions to avoid repeating past mistakes, citing the incidents that occurred during the 7th and 8th National Assembly.
