Politics
Three Nominations Expected For 10th Senate Contest
The zoning template for the 10th National Assembly Presiding offices set by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC) prior to the inauguration is causing ongoing turmoil within the ruling party.
Senators and House of Representatives members are rejecting the template and urging the party to rectify the issue.
If the matter remains unresolved before the inauguration on June 13th, it is likely that three Senators-elect, namely Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom North West, Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia North, and Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara West, will be nominated for the position of Senate President.
Interestingly, the three aspirants vying for the position of Senate President share a common background as former Governors.
According to information, it is speculated that after the nominations on that day, Abdulaziz Yari may withdraw from the race, allowing Orji Uzor Kalu to compete against Godswill Akpabio for the position of Senate President.
This arrangement would leave Akpabio representing the South South region and Kalu representing the South East.
Additionally, nominations for the position of Deputy Senate President would follow. Senator Sani Musa, currently the Chairman of Senate Services and representing Niger East, is expected to be nominated by a Senator from the North Central region.
Senator Jibrin Barau of Kano North would also be nominated for the same position. It is worth noting that Yari, who had previously stepped down for Kalu, would receive a nomination for the Deputy Senate President position as well.
The Senators- elect are settling for open nomination in order surprise everyone that they will need their own leader, using the open secret ballot process.
In the Upper Chamber, the President of the Senate and the Deputy Senate President positions are the Presiding officers that would warrant all the Senators to vote and elect them while the principal officers are the prerogative of the parties to produce them.
The positions are the Majority leader, the Deputy Majority Leader; the Chief Whip and the Deputy Whip from the ruling party while the opposition would produce the Minority Leader; Deputy Minority Leader; Minority Whip and Deputy Minority Whip.
The source said, ” Kalu is still in the race, when the time comes, some Senators from the North will back him, he is seen as one of us, he started his early life with us in the north, we trust him.
” The party is behind him, a lot of progress has been made and we have been asked to keep our lips sealed. There is already a deal on ground between Kalu and Yari.”
Yari and members-elect from the North are still pushing for a different agenda, especially the position of Senate President inspite of the announcement of the zoning template of leadership positions in the 10th National Assembly by the ruling.
Vanguard gathered that Governor of Sokoto State and Senator- elect, Aminu Tambuwal, PDP, Sokoto South; Senator- elect- Aliyu Wamakko, Sokoto North; former Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly, House of Representatives Matters, Senator- elect, Sumaila Kawu, NNPP, Kano South; Senator’ elect, Sahabi Yau, APC, Zamfara North; a ranking Senator and former Governor of Gombe State; another Senator-elect elect from Zamfara; a Senator- elect from Katsina State, among others are pushing for Yari as the next President of the Senate.
Despite the zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South South, with it microzoned to Akpabio, these former governors from the North, members of the National Assembly from the ruling party and the opposition have continued to carry out secret campaign for Abdulaziz Yari from Zamfara State. Yari who is also a Muslim.
A source told Vanguard that ” we the supporters of Yari have decided to go under ground and continue with the campaign to avoid being harassed by the party and the government. We are in APC, LP, NNPP and others.”
Recall that Kawu while speaking on Trust Television this week, had said that 73 Senators- elect were already backing Yari’ aspiration.
Recall that the Senator Abdullahi Adamu led National Working Committee, NWC of the APC had three weeks ago given direction to where the leadership of the 10th National Assembly will come from as it zoned the Presidency of the Senate to South – South and microzoned it to Senator Godswill Akpabio, Akwa Ibom and Deputy Senate President to North West in person of Jibrin Barau, Kano North.
Similarly, in the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass from North West was endorsed by the APC leadership as the preferred candidate for the position of the Speaker. Benjamin Kalu from South East emerged as the Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives.
The arrangement may be based on the fact that the president-elect, Bola Tinubu and his Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, are both Muslims as well as the head of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN , Justice Kayode Ariwoola who is a Muslim.
Sunday Vanguard gathered that despite the zoning of the Senate Presidency to the South South, Senators- elect Kalu and Yari have been holding nocturnal meetings with other Senators- elect from all the Zones to cajole and solicit for their support.
One of such meetings was held on Monday in one of the Districts of Abuja with a former Governor from South South, Yari, Kalu, some ranking Senators from the North Central in attendance to speak that a zone cannot have two Presiding officers as being postulated by the leadership of the APC.
There was a follow- up meeting with some Senators – elect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP; Labour Party, LP; Social Democratic Party, SDP; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and Young Progressives Party, YPP.
A Senator- elect from the South who spoke with Vanguard on condition of anonymity during the induction for members- elect of the 10th Senate, warned that with the role being played by their Northern colleagues, if aspirants from the South refuse to be on the same page and find a common front in the next few days prior to the inauguration, the North will produce the next President of the Senate, who will also be a Muslim.
Recall that after the National Assembly election, of the present lawmakers in the red Chamber, 30 of the old in the present 9th Senate succeeded in the election, just as the ruling APC is comfortable with the majority of both old and new with a total number of fifty nine Senators; the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has a total number of thirty- six Senators; the Labour Party has eight Senators; the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP has two; Social Democratic Party, SDP has two, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA and the Young Progressives Party, YPP have one Senator each.
Investigations have shown that Akpabio already has forty- four guaranteed members- elect, only an agreement between Yari and Kalu can defeat him.
Sunday Vanguard also gathered that there is formidable group in the 9th Senate that have been re- elected who are pushing for Sani Musa as Deputy Senate President and sixty- six members have already expressed commitment to the project.
A source told Vanguard that the leadership of the party was still in search of solutions to the problems as there are plans to delay one of the first administrative assignments for the President- elect, Senator Bola Tinubu once he is sworn in as president and that is the proclamation for them to be sure that the party has got the required to achieve its zoning template.
The proclamation is constitutionally circumscribed that he would send an official communication to the Clerk to the National Assembly to convene the 10th National Assembly, get down to the business of electing the Presiding Officers and inaugurating the the Senate and the House of Representatives.
As gathered the APC may not want a repeat of 2015 when the outgoing President of the Senate was the favoured candidate of the APC for the position of Senate President, and with a majority in the Senate, he was expected to carry the day, but with smartness and battle of wits that played out, he did not get it.
It would be recalled on June 8, 2015, the day the formal election for Senate President was to be held, while majority of APC senators, about 50, were waiting for President Muhammadu Buhari who had invited them to a meeting with him at the International Conference Centre, Senator Bukola Saraki and other senators of the APC moved into the National Assembly Complex for the election of principal officers.
A total 57 Senators loyal to Saraki, most of them PDP members, unanimously elected him after he was nominated by Senators Dino Melaye and Sanni Ahmed Yerima and that was how Lawan lost out but he would later serve in the leadership of the Senate.
Also recall that Abdulaziz Yari, this week said that he was in the race for the Presidency of the 10th Senate in line with the constitution of the country and and not zoning arrangement made by any political party.
Answering questions from Journalists at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja at the ongoing Induction Programme for Members- elect of the National Assembly organised by the National Assembly and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS who Yari insisted that he was still in the race as provided for by section 50 ( 2) of the 1999 Constitution, said that his aspiration was not an affront against his party , the APC, said, ” My aspiration for Presidency of the 10th Senate is covered by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution which to me , is superior to any other law or arrangement .
He said, ” I am a loyal party man , nobody has told me that any position has been zoned to anywhere as far as the 10th National Assembly is concerned.
” Position of President of the Senate, is first among equals among the 109 Senators . Any Senator – elect who wants to occupy the position must seek for support of others which i am doing.
” It is hire and fire arrangement . I want them to hire me as President of the 10th Senate on the day of inauguration . Many of those approached by me , have given their supports and i won’t disappoint them. My becoming Senate President on the day of inauguration lies with decision that will be made by 108 other Senators that day and nothing else.”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has warned the judiciary against allowing itself to be used to undermine democracy following the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The party expressed concern that the judgment, alongside other recent court decisions involving opposition parties, could weaken Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and restrict political participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
SEE ALSO: APC Pressuring Hotels to Deny Opposition Parties Venues – NDC Raises Alarm
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq. On Friday, the NDC said the manner in which some judgments, particularly those emanating from High Courts, were being delivered raised concerns about a possible attempt to exclude the ADC from the forthcoming elections.
While acknowledging the judiciary as the last hope of the common man, the party warned that court decisions capable of weakening opposition parties could create the impression that the judicial system was being used to frustrate democratic competition.
“The way some of these judgements are being churned out, especially from the High Courts suggests a deliberate effort to shut out the ADC from the forthcoming general elections by other means,” the statement read.
The NDC further argued that such developments could shrink the space for multi-party democracy, which it said was already facing significant threats under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The party consequently urged the judiciary to safeguard its independence, impartiality and integrity, stressing the need to protect public confidence in the institution.
It also called on the ADC to appeal the judgment without delay, urging the appellate court to grant an accelerated hearing to ensure the leadership dispute does not linger ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to the NDC, resolving the matter promptly would prevent uncertainty from undermining democratic participation and the ability of political parties to prepare for the forthcoming polls.
The party concluded its statement with the declaration: “A New Nigeria is Possible!”
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly pressuring hotels in Abuja to deny the opposition party access to their facilities, describing the development as an attempt to undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party raised the allegation in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director on Thursday, who expressed concern over what it described as increasing attempts to restrict the democratic space and silence opposition voices.
According to the NDC, it has faced not only alleged violent attacks by agents of the ruling APC but also discrimination from hotels and hospitality businesses in Abuja.
SEE ALSO: Two Suspected Political Thugs Killed After Attacking NDC Candidate’s Convoy in Ebonyi
The party specifically accused Rockview Hotel of cancelling agreements to provide facilities for its meetings on two separate occasions.
The first incident, according to the statement, occurred in June 2026 when the hotel allegedly withdrew its agreement to host the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting shortly before the scheduled event.
The NDC claimed that the hotel recently rejected another request to use its facilities for a meeting, allegedly informing the party that the decision came through an “order from above.”
The party also accused BON Hotel in Wuse, Abuja, of refusing to provide its facilities for a meeting despite the NDC claiming it had fulfilled all the conditions required.
The statement further alleged that the unveiling of the party’s National Campaign Council (NCC) was nearly disrupted after its event venue initially asked the party to refund its payment, saying it was no longer interested in making its facilities available.
The NDC suggested that the decision might have resulted from alleged threats or instructions from influential quarters.
However, the party said its insistence on using the facility after making payment eventually compelled the hotel to honour the arrangement.
Describing the alleged incidents as a threat to democratic participation, the NDC called on the APC to allow opposition parties to operate freely and campaign without interference.
“This is not democracy. The APC should allow all parties to campaign without let or hindrance, and give Nigerians the opportunity to make their choice on who governs them,” the statement said.
The party also urged Nigerians and supporters of democracy to call out Rockview Hotel and BON Hotel over what it described as their “anti-people and anti-democratic actions.”
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the NDC declared that Nigerians deserved better governance and insisted that it was prepared to serve with passion and patriotism.
“Nigerians deserve better, and NDC is prepared to serve with passion and patriotism,” the statement added.
The party concluded with its declaration that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating moves to weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and frustrate his 2027 presidential ambition following a court judgment against the party’s leadership.
Atiku described the development as a calculated attempt to undermine the ADC, insisting that the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after his campaign rally in Sokoto, was suspicious.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the ruling party was unsettled by the growing support for his candidacy.
ALSO READ: ‘Don’t Set Nigeria on Fire’ – ADC Sends Warning to APC Over Lifu Judgment
The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Thursday, November 5, 2026, delivered a judgment affecting the leadership of the David Mark-led ADC, nullifying the party’s leadership structure and raising questions over the legitimacy of Atiku’s presidential candidacy.
Reacting to the ruling, Atiku alleged that the development was part of a broader strategy to weaken his political support, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and frustrate the ADC’s growing campaign.
“The timing of this judgment is no coincidence. It is part of a strategy to weaken my support in the North and frustrate a campaign whose message is resonating across the country,” he said.
He, however, maintained that his political ambition was not limited to Northern Nigeria, arguing that the economic hardship facing Nigerians cuts across regional boundaries.
“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. There is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president also linked the judgment to the massive turnout at the ADC presidential campaign launch in Sokoto on Wednesday, November 4, where supporters gathered to welcome him.
He said the reception demonstrated Nigerians’ desire for political change and confidence in the ADC’s promise to make life more affordable.
“What we witnessed in Sokoto is only the beginning. The people of Kebbi will have their say, and so will Nigerians across the country as our campaign moves forward,” he added.
Atiku also questioned the legal basis for reopening the dispute over the ADC leadership, recalling that Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court had earlier dismissed a challenge to the David Mark-led leadership in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to him, the earlier judgment upheld the defendants’ objections on jurisdiction, standing and failure to exhaust internal party remedies, while resolving the substantive issues in their favour.
He questioned why another case was subsequently filed to reopen the same dispute, describing it as an attempt to circumvent an existing court judgment.
Atiku said the ADC would challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal.
“We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal,” he declared.
Despite the legal setback, the ADC presidential candidate urged party supporters to remain calm, peaceful and committed to the campaign, insisting that the development would not derail the party’s political activities.
He said the ADC campaign train was already in Kebbi State and would continue its nationwide mobilisation.
“Our Affordable Life campaign will continue because Nigerians deserve relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” Atiku said.
He also urged supporters to take the party’s message to Nigerians through house-to-house and door-to-door mobilisation, adding that the campaign remained focused on rescuing the country from economic hardship.
“There is no shaking,” he declared.
2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally
NDC Warns Judiciary Against Turning Courts Into Tools for Political Opposition
Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award
APC Pressuring Hotels to Deny Opposition Parties Venues – NDC Raises Alarm
Tinubu Hails Flamingos After Historic World Cup Final Qualification, Urges Team to Win Trophy
‘The Panic Is Real’ – Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
Keep up the superb piece of work, I read few blog posts on this site and I conceive that your site is rattling interesting and has got lots of fantastic info .
incrível este conteúdo. Gostei muito. Aproveitem e vejam este conteúdo. informações, novidades e muito mais. Não deixem de acessar para aprender mais. Obrigado a todos e até mais. 🙂
me encantei com este site. Para saber mais detalhes acesse o site e descubra mais. Todas as informações contidas são informações relevantes e exclusivos. Tudo que você precisa saber está ta lá.
It’s really a great and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
Hello there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my zynga group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Many thanks
of course like your website but you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very troublesome to inform the reality however I will surely come again again.
I love the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great content.
I?¦ll right away clutch your rss feed as I can’t find your e-mail subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly allow me understand in order that I may subscribe. Thanks.
I don’t even understand how I stopped up right here, however I assumed this submit was great. I do not recognise who you’re however certainly you’re going to a famous blogger for those who aren’t already 😉 Cheers!
Wow! Thank you! I always needed to write on my blog something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my website?
Keep up the great piece of work, I read few blog posts on this web site and I conceive that your website is real interesting and has circles of great information.
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you know a few of the images aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.
I dugg some of you post as I cerebrated they were invaluable very useful
Thank you for every other wonderful post. Where else may anybody get that type of information in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.
Hey would you mind letting me know which hosting company you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you recommend a good web hosting provider at a fair price? Kudos, I appreciate it!
I have been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts on this kind of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this info So i am happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this web site and give it a glance regularly.
Excellent website. A lot of helpful info here. I?¦m sending it to a few buddies ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks in your effort!
Sweet blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
F*ckin’ remarkable things here. I’m very glad to see your post. Thanks a lot and i am looking forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a mail?
I precisely had to say thanks yet again. I’m not certain what I would’ve gone through without the actual concepts discussed by you on such a concern. It actually was a very traumatic problem in my opinion, however , noticing the specialised way you processed that took me to leap with contentment. I am just thankful for your work and as well , have high hopes you comprehend what a powerful job you are doing instructing the rest via your webblog. I am sure you haven’t encountered all of us.
As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn anything like this before. So nice to seek out someone with some unique ideas on this subject. realy thank you for starting this up. this website is one thing that is needed on the internet, someone with a little bit originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the web!