APC nominates Akpabio, Abbas for senate president, speaker

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has nominated Godswill Akpabio, a former minister of Niger Delta affairs, as president of the senate.

The ruling party also chose Abbas Tajudeen, a ranking member of the house of representatives, as speaker.

The APC determines the presiding officers of the national assembly because it has majority members.

In a statement on Monday, Felix Morka, APC spokesperson, said the party also nominated Barau Jibrin, senator representing Kano north, as deputy senate president, and Benjamin Kalu, current house spokesperson, as deputy speaker.

“The national working committee of the APC met today, Monday, May 8, 2023, to consider reports of consultations and meetings held with the president-elect, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, other party leaders and stakeholders on zoning arrangements for 10th national assembly leadership positions,” Morka said.

“The NWC noted with respect to the outcome of the meetings held between the president-elect and the leadership of the NWC.

“The NWC called for further and better consultation with necessary stakeholders in order to assure the support of the aspirants to the national assembly leadership positions and members of the party nationwide.”

In March, Abdullahi Adamu, APC national chairman, said the party would work with the president-elect to zone the national assembly positions.

Last week, David Umahi, the outgoing governor of Ebonyi, dropped his bid to become the senate president and endorsed Akpabio.