Tensions Rise as Akpabio's Senate Presidency Bid Faces Setback Amidst APC and Tinubu's Alleged Withdrawal of Endorsement
Lawmakers aligned with Godswill Akpabio are reportedly experiencing apprehension following indications that President Bola Tinubu may have retracted his support for Akpabio's bid for the Senate Presidency.
This development has prompted lawmakers, particularly from the South West region, to convene a meeting in order to reassess their stance and devise a new strategy regarding the leadership of the 10th Senate.
According to a senator from one of the South West states, who spoke to The Guardian on the condition of anonymity, the meeting has been scheduled for tomorrow.
It can be recalled that the All Progressives Congress (APC), in a statement released two weeks ago, officially endorsed Akpabio and three other candidates for key positions within the National Assembly.
Akpabio, hailing from the South-South region, was slated for the position of Senate President, while Jibrin Barau from the North-West was approved for Deputy Senate President. Tajudeen Abass, also from the North-West, was nominated for the position of Speaker in the House of Representatives, and Benjamin Kalu from the South-East was chosen as the Deputy Speaker.
However, the announcement of these endorsements was met with widespread protests and criticism across the nation. Many raised concerns about the party allocating two out of the six presiding offices to one zone, leaving the North Central region without any representation.
Additionally, objections were raised regarding the decision to assign the position of Deputy Speaker to the South-East, with arguments suggesting that the region should have been considered for the presidency instead.
Furthermore, numerous Nigerians highlighted the fact that Akpabio is currently under investigation by anti-graft agencies regarding alleged cases of corruption.
It is believed that President Bola Tinubu, considering the implications of supporting a senator facing criminal probes, has taken heed of the advice from trusted political allies and subtly withdrawn his support for Akpabio.
The senator stated that President Tinubu remains steadfast in his commitment to running a government free from corruption, emphasizing the reinforcement of existing policies and institutions dedicated to combating corruption.
During his inauguration speech, Tinubu declared his administration's intention to take proactive measures, such as promoting a credit culture to discourage corruption, while enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of various anti-corruption agencies.
The senator added, "With this statement, many of us have come to the realization that President Bola Tinubu would not, under any circumstances, support a senator facing numerous corruption cases with anti-graft agencies, especially after his pledge to strengthen and empower them. We have recognized the futility of remaining in this camp. It is untenable."
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