The Presidency and All Progressives Congress (APC) governors have expressed their support for the principal officers of the Senate and House of Representatives, as announced recently. This comes after some disagreement arose when the presiding officers revealed the names without seeking clearance from a key figure, Adamu.
The newly announced principal officers for the Senate include Opeyemi Bamidele as Senate Leader, David Umahi as Deputy Leader, Ali Ndume as Chief Whip, Lola Ashiru as Deputy Whip, Simon Mwadkwon as Minority Leader, Oyewunmi Olalere as Deputy Minority Leader, Darlington Nwokeocha as Minority Chief Whip, and Rufai Hamga as Deputy Minority Whip. As for the House of Representatives, the list comprises Julius Ihonvbere as House Leader, Abdullahi Halims as Deputy House Leader, Usman Kumo as Chief Whip, and Adewunmi Onanuga as Deputy Whip, alongside Kingsley Chinda as Minority House Leader, Ali Madaki as Deputy House Leader, Ali Isa as Minority House Chief Whip, and George Ozodinobi as Deputy Whip.
There are indications that the National Assembly may present its principal officers to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Aso Villa today. Earlier, the Senate leadership had presented the list to Adamu for his support during a meeting on his farm in Keffi, Nasarawa State. However, Adamu's delay in sending a notice to the National Assembly about the principal officers created tension. Consequently, the APC caucuses in both chambers went ahead to announce the list of consensus principal officers during the plenary.
Adamu expressed his displeasure because the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass, did not wait for him to sign an official letter regarding the lawmakers' choices. However, it was revealed that extensive consultations involving the Senate President, governors, and respected party leaders had taken place before arriving at the power-sharing formula. The Senate President had personally visited Adamu's farm to inform him about the decision and seek his blessing.
The National Assembly's selection of principal officers had progressed significantly, with the support of the Presidency, APC governors, and party leaders. Even in the case of Sen. Ali Ndume, who initially had issues as the second-ranking Senator, he eventually accepted the position of Senate Chief Whip after being prevailed upon by his colleagues. As the party's national chairman, Adamu does not possess the authority to override the decision made by the APC caucuses in the National Assembly. The APC Constitution does not grant him such power.
Moving forward, the National Assembly intends to present its new principal officers to President Tinubu. Despite Adamu's complaints about inadequate communication, he should not have publicly challenged the National Assembly's selection of principal officers. APC governors have disagreed with the party chairman, stating their support for Senator Akpabio and Abbas in announcing the principal officers during plenaries.
During a meeting between Adamu and members of the Progressive Governors' Forum (PGF), the chairman claimed that the National Working Committee (NWC) was not involved. However, a Northcentral governor confirmed that the chairman had been included in the decision-making process, and the zoning of principal officers was determined through extensive consultations with critical stakeholders, including the NWC and the presidency. Another Northwest governor cautioned Adamu, highlighting that his pronouncement could create a crisis between the National Assembly and the party leadership.
In conclusion, APC governors expressed their support for the National Assembly leadership's announcement of principal officers. Governor Uzodimma, Chairman of the PGF, emphasized that any communication gaps would be resolved through internal party mechanisms. The National Assembly leadership enjoys the backing of APC governors and the party itself, aiming to foster unity among party organs and members.
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