As the tussle for the 10th Senate Presidency continues, frontline contenders are taking further steps and utilizing all avenues within their disposal to canvass for support. One of such steps is the move for alignment and realignment with political forces at different levels.
One of them, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has consistently maintained that he has the wherewithal to lead the Red Chambers in the 10th Assembly, due to be inaugurated on June 13. For him, he has the capacity as well as the number to emerge victorious, and so he says he is the most qualified of all the contestants.
In one of his most recent moves, he (Akpabio) who is the nominated candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was on Sunday, accompanied by some lawmakers under the aegis of The Stability Group, on a courtesy visit to the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the State House Marina, Lagos Island to solicit the support of the Lagos state government.
Speaking during the visit, Akpabio congratulated Sanwo-Olu on his re-election as governor of the richest state in Nigeria, and stated that his intention, if elected Senate President, is to work in synergy with the executive arm of the incoming administration led by President-elect, Bola Tinubu, to replicate the good work he (Tinubu) did as governor in Lagos state, at the national front.
According to him, “We want him to replicate what has happened in Lagos in the last 24 years of democracy to cover the rest of the country.”
“We would work with the next administration to ensure Lagos and Nigeria work. We would address youths’ restiveness. The senators have track records of performance.
“We would do everything possible to bring Foreign Direct Investments through legislation. We would do our best to make Nigeria a business-friendly economy. Even in the marine sector; we would ensure our ports become friendlier,” he said.
Speaking about support from other senators, Akpabio maintained that many of the lawmakers were on his side and expressed hope that, with their consultations, he was certain of growing the number to ensure victory, even as the day for the inauguration draws near.
“Today, we are about 69 in number and it is still growing. We believe that by the time we get to June, we should expect this group to rise to about 85 or 86. All I know is that we are going to win,” he said.
On his part, the Director-General of The Stability Group which is a support group for Akpabio’s Senate Presidency bid, Senator Ali Ndume, said the idea of having a consensus candidate for the position of Senate President was for the stability of Nigeria. The lawmaker said the President-elect, Tinubu convinced him and other aspirants to the position such as the Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi, who is now a Senator-elect, to step down for Akpabio in the interest of the stability of the House. He also appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to support Akpabio, noting that the group had the support of other governors.
“We have lobbied some governors and we are here to seek your support too. I want to appeal for your support because we know once we have Lagos support, we already have the support of the whole South-West,” he said.
Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the APC made the right decision in the nomination process, which according to him, would make the election of the Senate leadership seamless, stressing that Akpabio’s team possessed the political credentials and leadership qualities to bring about uncommon transformation in the country. He noted that the former Akwa-Ibom State Governor was qualified for the job and so declared support for him.
He said, “Having discussed extensively and listened to all the plans and agenda presented by Stability Group led by Senator Akpabio, I believe it is proper and appropriate that we, in Lagos, give them our official endorsement. This is a project for the stability of the country, which will benefit Nigerians, especially the people who elected these distinguished lawmakers-elect. They are committed to working harmoniously with the executive and this will bring about a win-win for all our citizens and for democracy.”
“We are encouraging other lawmakers-elect who are yet to be on this team to fall in line. I will also appeal to the Stability Group to continue their consultation and collaboration, and not to take anyone for granted. They have personally assured me that they will make the senate leadership as inclusive as possible. The diversity they are preaching is reflected in the number of the senators-elect on the team; it is not one party. The membership cuts across all the parties that are represented in the National Assembly.
“I believe the incoming 10th National Assembly will be about great possibilities and shaping new course for the nation. Given the outstanding profile and experience Senator Akpabio and his team are bringing to the table, I believe there will be new standards and new legislative records will break. I will only urge the incoming senate leadership to surpass whatever achievements recorded by the 9th senate.”
With governors endorsing Akpabio, one may ask what the worth of a governor’s support is, for an internal election which would hold to formulate the leadership of the Senate. Well, most governors are strongly politically aligned with senators from their states, and one should know what that implies, hence governors’ endorsement is a big win for any Senate Presidential candidate.
Recall that the Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, had earlier announced that governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), under the umbrella of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) have resolved to zone the next Senate President to the South-South geopolitical region of the country. He further revealed that the forum deemed Akpabio fit for the position.
“The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will come from the South-South and no other person than the former governor of Akwa Ibom , the uncommon governor, the uncommon minister who will be the uncommon President of the Senate,” Ganduje said.
With the way Akpabio is going, he appears to be overwhelming the oppositions mounting against his candidacy. Will he be the next Senate President? That will be determined in few weeks time.
