…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Confusion in APC as Stakeholders Defy Zoning Arrangement for Senate Presidency
Stakeholders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are causing a stir by disregarding the party’s zoning arrangement and supporting another candidate for the 10th Senate Presidency race.
The APC had previously announced its zoning arrangement for leadership positions in the 10th National Assembly, with Godswill Akpabio (South-South) as the preferred candidate for Senate President and Barau Jibrin (North West) as Deputy Senate President.
However, emerging reports reveal that some members-elect from the North are pushing for a different agenda.
Challenges to the Zoning Arrangement
Despite the party’s position and the prevailing circumstances, which include the selection of a Muslim-Muslim ticket for the APC’s Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, some former governors from the North and members of the National Assembly are discreetly campaigning for former Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, who is also a Muslim.
The campaign is reportedly spearheaded by a former presiding officer in the National Assembly, who is a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This politician has historically opposed power shifting to the South and has been involved in previous controversial political moves.
Potential Disruption to the Zoning Position
Lawmakers have revealed that they have been approached by the former presiding officer and other influential politicians from the North, urging them to support Yari and disregard the APC’s zoning position.
Some Northern senators-elect are allegedly plotting a repeat of the 2015 scenario when Bukola Saraki emerged as President of the Senate against his former party’s position.
A returning senator has cautioned that if aspirants from the South fail to unite and present a single candidate in the coming days, the North may produce the next Senate President, who would also be a Muslim.
Southern Senators to Counter Yari’s Campaign
Southern senators-elect are determined to resist any attempt by the North to produce a Muslim as the President of the Senate.
They are planning to hold a meeting where aspirants will be urged to close ranks and present a unified candidate to challenge Yari’s ambitions.
The meeting is expected to include members of the opposition.
Some senators-elect have expressed confidence that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President-elect, will intervene to prevent Yari’s ascension, given the controversies surrounding his ticket.
The involvement of a former presiding officer, who has consistently opposed Southern interests, has raised concerns among the Southern senators-elect.
Call for Unity Among Southern Contenders
The senators-elect from the South are being called upon to have open and frank discussions to resolve the contest and present a united front.
It is crucial for them to address the division among Southern senators-elect regarding support for Akpabio and others.
There is a strong belief that Tinubu, upon assuming the presidency, will take action to prevent Yari’s rise and heal any wounds resulting from the contentious ticket.
The involvement of the former presiding officer, who has consistently opposed Southern interests since 2011, has raised questions about his motives and greediness.
The Need for Southern Unity and Protection of National Interests
The South is urged to unite and speak up to counter Yari’s campaign.
A united front will demonstrate their commitment to protecting the interests of the South and the country as a whole.
Although the speaker is not a member of the APC, there is confidence that Tinubu will intervene to prevent Yari’s ascent.
The divisions among Southern senators-elect need to be resolved promptly, as the country’s future depends on it.
The involvement of a former presiding officer, who has consistently opposed Southern interests since 2011, highlights the urgency for Southern senators-elect to unite and protect the country’s well-being.