Akpabio and Yari will run for the Senate presidency after weeks of political maneuvering in the House of Representatives… Abass and Wase to compete for the speakership.
Akpabio and Abass are the APC’s candidates for top legislative positions, with Barau and Kalu as their deputies. Several aspirants opposed the party’s pick, supported by President Bola Tinubu. Senate objectors were Senators Kalu, Izunaso, and Yari. G-7 lawmakers opposed the move, but most have since supported Abass, leaving only Wase opposed.
During the 9th House’s valedictory session, Wase stated that his speakership ambition was based on a prophetic utterance by former governor Solomon Lar. Lar predicted that Wase would attain several leadership positions, including deputy speakership and ultimately speakership of the Green Chamber, which Wase believes will come to fruition.
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It is unclear if Wase resigned before today’s House inauguration. VP Kashim Shettima alleges attempts to cause disunity by twisting his support for Senator Akpabio. 55 members-elect from South-South support Abass, with Governor Makinde confirming governors’ support for Tinubu’s choice. The Labour Party caucus backs the Abass/Kalu ticket. Yari’s support group denies inducement allegations and accuses opponents of wanting to arrest him. The PDP has not decided on its minority leaders.
Akpabio and Yari are in a close race for signatures from senators-elect. It is hard to predict the race winner. Akpabio’s team claims support from 70 senators-elect. At the Lagos Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, only 52 senators-elect attended Akpabio’s supporters’ group meeting. VP Shettima is concerned and aims to convince more Northern senators to back Akpabio and Barau. The Initiatives and Coalition of the South-South Community urged senators-elect to vote for Akpabio as President of the Senate. They believe this will lead to reforms and the fulfillment of the current administration’s campaign promises.
