“APC” Warning to Akpabio and Abbas: Ensuring Smooth N’Assembly Leadership Inauguration”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a strong caution to Senator Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas, the endorsed aspirants for the National Assembly leadership positions, urging them to be cautious of potential upsets during the upcoming 10th legislature’s inauguration. The party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, emphasized the need for early arrival and unity among party members to avoid a repetition of past incidents where party directives were disregarded.

In a meeting held at the national secretariat in Abuja, Senator Akpabio, vying for the Senate presidency, and Jibrin Barau, the Deputy Senate Presidential aspirant, led a delegation of 41 senators to brief the party on their consultations with other aspirants and stakeholders. The reminder of the past scenario where Senator Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara defied the party’s directive and emerged as Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker respectively served as a cautionary tale.

Preventing a Repeat Scenario:
Adamu stressed the importance of not allowing a repeat of such a scenario, stating, “once bitten, twice shy.” He firmly urged the endorsed candidates and their supporters to adhere to the party’s directives and be punctual during the inauguration on June 13. He reminded them that the final decision for the leadership positions would be determined on the floor of the Senate and House, emphasizing the democratic process.

Unity and Consultations:
Acknowledging the progress made by Akpabio and Barau in consulting with other aspirants, Adamu expressed satisfaction with their efforts. He encouraged further consultations to carry along more senators-elect and stakeholders, ensuring inclusivity and unity within the party. While acknowledging the right to differing opinions, he highlighted the need for a rancor-free election and adherence to the rules of the game.

Support and Assurance:
Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Legal Matters, called for support from dissenting voices within the party to align with the party’s position. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South district, assured that the 70 senators backing the Akpabio-Barau ticket were individuals of integrity who couldn’t be swayed.

Aspirants’ Discontent and G-7 Group:
Abdulaziz Yari, an aspirant for the Senate President position, expressed his discontent, stating that it would be unfair for the South to occupy all three arms of government to the detriment of the North. On the House of Representatives side, Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the G-7 group of aspirants dissatisfied with the party’s zoning plan, stated that their opposition was not against President-elect Bola Tinubu but against the APC’s decision-making process.