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 Police Force has warned Nigerian youths against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying their future is more valuable than temporary political inducements.
The warning was contained in a goodwill message delivered by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Annie Iniedu, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at a National Orientation Agency (NOA) initiative to mobilise Nigerians at the grassroots ahead of the elections on Thursday.
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The initiative was held under the theme, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Your Future.”
In the message, the Inspector-General urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns, tolerance and respect for the rule of law.
“Elections must never become a licence for thuggery, intimidation, vote-buying, ballot-snatching, destruction of electoral materials, or violence,” he said.
Addressing young Nigerians, the police chief warned them against becoming instruments of political violence.
“To our youths in particular: do not allow yourselves to be used as instruments of political violence. Your future is more valuable than any temporary political inducement,” he said.
He also urged eligible voters to reject voter apathy and vote-buying, encouraging them to protect their votes and participate peacefully in the electoral process.
“To all our eligible voters, I urge you to reject voter apathy and vote-buying. Your vote is your voice. Protect it, exercise it peacefully, and allow democracy to work for our nation,” he said.
The Inspector-General assured Nigerians that the police would work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to protect the integrity of the 2027 elections.
He said the collaboration would involve intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation and professional policing to provide a safe and secure environment for voters.
“The Nigerian Police Force assures all Nigerians that we shall remain professional, impartial, and firm against criminal elements seeking to undermine the electoral process,” he said.
The police chief further called for collective efforts to ensure peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
“Let us collectively ensure that in 2027, the ballot defeats the bullet, ideas defeat intimidation, and democracy defeats violence,” he said.
He also urged Nigerians to mobilise for peace, responsible leadership and a credible electoral process ahead of the general elections.
The efforts of the members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) would count for nothing, except for the person who delivers his or her ward at the polls.
Nigeria’s President, and party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election, Bola Ahmed Tinubu made it clear during the inauguration of the council at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, on Wednesday.
“No one gets credit for an incomplete assignment. So, until you deliver the next election, until you deliver your wards, until you deliver the votes, before we can say thank you,” he said.
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The president, who expressed gratitude to party members for their support in the previous election, said the inauguration was more than a formal gathering, describing it as a renewed commitment to Nigerians.
“The APC is ready. We have not gathered merely to inaugurate a council; we have gathered to renew a covenant, a covenant with the Nigerian people and the historic responsibility they have entrusted to us as Nigeria’s governing party. We promise we will not let them down,” he said.
Tinubu also expressed confidence in the party’s ability to secure victory.
“I celebrate you. I celebrate you, no doubt about that. Nigeria will continue to celebrate you. You will see the joy of this victory. You will share in the joy,” he said.
The president also said he would not participate in every aspect of the campaign, stressing that his responsibilities as head of state would remain a priority.
He said party members had cautioned him against allowing the demands of campaigning to distract him from governance, adding that he agreed with their position.
“You have warned me and asked me not to allow the rigour of the campaign to distract me from governance. I hear you. I am in full agreement with your decision. Nigeria needs more attention now than ever before.
“The responsibility of this office does not pause. That responsibility did not recognise our agenda here today. The Constitution allows INEC to make room for parliament but not for the campaign. The job must go on,” he stated.
He, however, pledged to make time to address Nigerians directly while the campaign council coordinates activities across the country.
“However, I will still make time to speak directly with Nigerians even as you lead the campaign in the states and local government areas, so you will excuse me from going everywhere with you,” he said.
The campaign council is chaired by Tinubu, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda serving as first and second vice-chairmen, respectively.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq are the deputy vice-chairmen.
Former Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari was named director-general of the council.
Other appointments include Femi Gbajabiamila as head of administration, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma as secretary, and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje as director of stakeholder mobilisation.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was also listed among the party’s campaign officials, while Dele Alake was named spokesman.
The council’s structure includes directorates responsible for mobilisation, election planning and monitoring, finance, fundraising and regional coordination.
The party has also named political figures outside its ranks to coordinate support in some states and regions, including Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike for Rivers State and the FCT, Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo for Anambra, and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for Osun.
President Tinubu is seeking a second term in the 2027 presidential election, which the Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled for January 16, 2027.
President Bola Tinubu will remain focused on governance despite preparations for the 2027 general elections, according to his Senior Special Assistant on Public Engagement, Fredrick Nwabufo.
Nwabufo made this known in an article titled “Takeaways from the APC Presidential Campaign Inauguration,” in which he highlighted key messages from the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
He said the decision to maintain governance during the campaign period was important because the President’s mandate would continue until May 29, 2027.
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According to him, campaigns should not come at the expense of governance, stressing that the responsibility of leadership to the people must not be abandoned under any circumstances.
“Campaigns do not have to be run at the expense of governance,” Nwabufo wrote.
He described Tinubu’s decision to remain focused on delivering results to Nigerians while campaigning as both patriotic and judicious.
Nwabufo also highlighted the need for a disciplined and peaceful campaign ahead of the 2027 elections, citing APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who called for a contest based on ideas, records and policies.
“Let the coming election be a contest of ideas, records, and policies and be conducted peacefully and with respect for the Nigerian people,” Yilwatda said.
The presidential aide further pointed to what he described as broad political consensus around Tinubu, noting that political leaders from different platforms had expressed support for the President’s candidacy.
He cited Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, as describing the level of elite consensus surrounding the country’s political future as unprecedented.
Nwabufo also highlighted the role of women in the 2027 campaign, noting Tinubu’s pledge to support the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
He said the President had acknowledged women’s contributions and identified them as important mobilisers for the campaign.
The aide also underscored the importance of young Nigerians to the country’s development, noting that Tinubu and other speakers at the inauguration emphasised the role of youth in shaping Nigeria’s future.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas were among those Nwabufo cited as highlighting the potential of current reforms to avert crises for present and future generations.
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