Akeredolu Calls Out APC’s Zoning Formula for 10th National Assembly
The Chairman of the Southern Governor’s Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has criticised the zoning formula released by his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for the presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly, calling it unjust and skewed. The APC last Monday confirmed the endorsement of Senator Godwill Akpabio (from Akwa Ibom State in the South-south) as Senate President and Tajudeen Abbas (from Kaduna State in the North-west) as Speaker of the House of Representatives. The announcement of the zoning formula by the National Working Committee has caused widespread discontent among political stakeholders and lawmakers, who described the move as undemocratic. The move also leaves open the possibility of minority parties taking control of the green chamber if their combined strength operates on the same page. In reaction to the move, Akeredolu has called for a fairer arrangement and urged the Progressive Governors Forum, led by former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to lead by example and promote equality and fairness in the selection process.
Aspirants Warn Against Repeat of 2015 Scenario
Aspirants to the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and several members-elect have warned the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and other party stakeholders to prepare for a possible repeat of the 2015 scenario if they allow the released zoning formula to stand. Senators and House of Representatives members had in 2015 defied the ruling party’s choices and elected their own candidates for principal positions in the two chambers of the National Assembly. Meanwhile, aggrieved lawmakers Muktar Betara, Idris Wase, Aminu Jaji, Alhassan Doguwa and Sada Soli have allied to battle Tajudeen Abbas, the candidate said to have been endorsed by President-elect Bola Tinubu. However, with Tinubu currently on a trip outside the country, there appears to be uncertainty surrounding the decision on the race until his return.
Coalition of Northern Groups Warns Against Foisting National Assembly Leadership on the Country
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on the leadership of the APC to immediately reverse the decision to endorse Godwill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas. The group claims that attempting to foist a National Assembly leadership on the country will be completely resisted. Spokesperson of the group, Abdul-A
