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The former senator representing Zamfara Central, AbdulAziz Yari, has come forward with startling allegations of a conspiracy against him during the election for the leadership of the 10th National Assembly. Yari, who had vied for the coveted position of Senate President, was defeated by former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio, in a closely contested race.

Yari, in an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, revealed that it was not Akpabio who was responsible for his defeat but instead blamed “powerful forces within the government.” He lamented the lack of support from key figures such as the president, vice president, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and fellow governors, asserting that their opposition had sealed his fate.

Expressing his disappointment, Yari disclosed that he never would have entered the race had he known the outcome in advance. He had been confident that the number of senators supporting him would secure victory. He specifically called out national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, for publicly endorsing a preferred candidate, stating that it was a betrayal and a flaw in leadership.

Yari expressed hope that during President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term, there would be greater respect for the independence of the parliament. He quoted Tinubu’s promise in his inaugural speech to do right by all Nigerians and asserted that he, too, was one of the people referred to. Yari further emphasized his belief that betrayal and inducement had played a part in his defeat.

Acknowledging the fairness of the elections, Yari gracefully accepted his loss and pledged his support to the newly constituted leadership of the National Assembly. He commended the lawmakers, recognizing their prominent positions and diverse backgrounds, and affirmed his acceptance of the outcome in good faith.

The former senator’s claims have sparked debate and raised questions about the true nature of politics within the ruling party. As Nigeria begins a new chapter with the 10th National Assembly, the nation awaits the actions of its leaders and the impact they will have on governance in the coming years.