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Battle For National Assembly Leadership Sparks Division, Regional Tensions

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The contest for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly could result in the emergence of an unexpected candidate, as leaders from the Northern and South-West regions have entered the fray regarding the selection of principal officers for the National Assembly.

 

Currently, a heated dispute has arisen between supporters of the sitting President, Muhammadu Buhari, and those of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, leading to a division within the ruling All Progressives Congress.

 

The conflict centers around the micro-zoning of the Senate President position to Senator Godswill Akpabio from Akwa Ibom State, which has allegedly sparked a covert clash between the two factions.

 

This power struggle has caused a rift among legislators representing the six geo-political zones of the country, deepening divisions along lines of ethnicity and religion among the newly elected senators and their counterparts in the House of Representatives.

 

Concerned about the unfolding situation, prominent figures from northern states, including two former military heads of state, as well as influential traditional rulers from the North and South West, have taken action by intervening and engaging in discussions with key senators.

 

A senator-elect, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the elder statesmen undertook the responsibility individually and personally reached out to influential senators, especially from the Northern region.

 

Their primary message emphasized the importance of prioritizing Nigeria’s unity and national cohesion in their decision-making process regarding the election of Assembly leadership.

 

According to the confidential source, the core appeal made during these discussions was for Northern senators to refrain from utilizing their numerical advantage to overpower the Senate and undermine the fair competition for its leadership position.

 

“Instead, they appealed to us to emulate the APC governors from Northern Nigeria who in the most patriotic manner gave all their support to the emergence of a southern candidate for the party and did all within their powers for the victory of Bola Tinubu from the South-West at the polls.

 

“They are talking to us, especially those who have declared interest in the presidency of the senate to drop their legitimate ambitions for the sake of unity and cohesion of Nigeria and support the Southern region in producing it”

 

The senator-elect further confirmed to our correspondent that initially, the Northern senators were not opposed to the idea of the South producing the Senate President.

 

However, their discontent stemmed from the president-elect’s unilateral decision to choose Senator Akpabio without consulting or considering the opinions of other stakeholders.

 

“But, with the seriousness of the moves by these patriotic and highly respected statesmen and the esteemed traditional rulers, I see the major contender from the North, Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari dropping the gauntlet and supporting a more credible and consensus-vibrant aspirant from the South.

 

“Apart from the manner he was chosen by the President-elect, Northern Senators see an Akpabio-led Senate as an attempt to bring back the agitations for resource control, something they loathe with a passion.

 

“We can not trust his leadership as he is unlikely going to protect the interest of the North,” a northern Senator said.

 

In the North, there are three prominent contenders vying for the Senate President position: Abubakar Yari, Jibrin Barau, and Sani Musa. From the South, potential candidates include Osita Izunaso, Orji Kalu, and Godswill Akpabio.

 

Additionally, there have been unconfirmed reports suggesting that a former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, may also enter the race for the Senate President position.

Politics

“PDP Can’t Unseat Tinubu with Wike in Charge” — Ulasi Blows Hot, Threatens Exit

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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Ulasi, has warned that the party stands little chance of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections if Nyesom Wike continues to play a leading role while allegedly supporting the ruling government.

Ulasi, who spoke during an interview on Arise TV on Thursday, expressed deep concern over what he described as a “contradictory situation” within the PDP, stressing that such internal inconsistencies could weaken the party’s credibility and chances at the polls.

ALSO READ: ‘I Didn’t Mean It Literally’ — Nyesom Wike Clears Air as Atiku Abubakar Fires Back

“I don’t see my party as presently constituted challenging Tinubu with Wike as national leader,” Ulasi said, warning that he may be forced to leave the party if the issue is not addressed.

The PDP stalwart argued that Wike cannot effectively serve as a leader in the opposition while maintaining close ties with President Tinubu, describing the situation as “unconstructive” for a party seeking to reclaim power at the national level.

He further questioned what role Wike would play if another candidate emerges as the PDP’s presidential flag-bearer ahead of the 2027 election, asking whether the former Rivers State governor would actively participate in party rallies or align with the ruling party’s activities.

Ulasi warned that the party’s next meeting could be his last if its leadership fails to provide satisfactory explanations, insisting that he cannot continue to be part of a process riddled with contradictions.

In a related development, Ulasi revealed that Peter Obi had visited him several times this year, including a recent meeting following an appearance in Enugu.

He spoke positively about Obi’s vision for Nigeria, noting that the former presidential candidate offers a sense of hope for the country’s future, although he stopped short of declaring any political alignment.

Reflecting on his longstanding ties to the PDP, Ulasi recalled his role during the party’s formation alongside late former Vice-President Alex Ekueme and other founding members.

Despite his deep connection to the party, he maintained that he would rather step aside than remain in a system he considers inconsistent.

He added that if he eventually exits the PDP, he has no plans to join another political party, stating that he would instead operate as a private consultant.

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Drama in Ogun APC as Gbenga Daniel Claims He Was Barred From Meeting

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There was tension within the Ogun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday after former Governor and Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, alleged that he was barred from attending a stakeholders’ meeting of the party held in Ijebu Ode.

The meeting, which took place at Adeola Odutola Hall, was reportedly convened to bring together key party stakeholders, including current and former local government chairmen, councillors, and serving as well as former lawmakers from both state and national levels.

However, the senator, in a viral video circulating online, claimed he was denied entry into the venue despite being part of the expected attendees.

ALSO READ: “APC Failure in Disguise?” — Dickson Tears Into ADC Coalition

Speaking from his branded campaign bus parked at the venue, Daniel expressed disappointment over the situation, saying he and his team were stopped from accessing the meeting.

He further questioned the legitimacy of any resolutions reached at the gathering, suggesting that the outcome of the meeting should not be considered valid.

As of press time, the Ogun State APC leadership had yet to issue an official response to the allegation.

 

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Politics

Who Leads ADC? Supreme Court to Hear Mark’s Appeal in Heated Party Rift

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The lingering leadership crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is set for a crucial legal test as the Supreme Court of Nigeria prepares to hear an appeal filed by former Senate President, David Mark.

Mark is challenging a legal action brought by a former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala, over the control and leadership structure of the ADC.

The case, scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, is expected to determine the direction of the party amid deepening internal divisions.

SEE MORE: 2027: Why ADC, Opposition Leaders Stormed INEC in Abuja

Through his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, Mark is seeking an order to stay the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on March 12, pending the final resolution of the matter.

He also urged the apex court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from making any alterations to the party’s leadership as currently constituted under his faction.

In addition, Mark is asking the court to suspend further proceedings in a related suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Emeka Nwite.

The dispute dates back to a September 4, 2025 ruling by the Federal High Court following an ex parte application filed by Bala, which has since fueled competing claims to the party’s leadership.

The ADC has, in recent months, been embroiled in a bitter factional crisis, with rival camps asserting legitimacy.

The situation has been worsened by conflicting court orders and administrative uncertainty surrounding who truly leads the party.

Tensions escalated after INEC reportedly removed Mark as the party’s national chairman from its official records, sparking protests by his loyalists.

The demonstration drew prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

In response, the Bala-led faction staged a counter-protest, insisting on recognition by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

As the battle shifts to the Supreme Court, political observers say the outcome could decisively shape the future of the ADC, particularly as political alignments begin to take form ahead of upcoming elections.

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