Former governor of Rivers State, Barr. Nyesom Wike, made a strategic move on Thursday when he met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio for a marathon six-hour meeting. The meeting, which took place in the Senate President’s office, was a clear indication that Wike is determined to block the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hierarchy from nominating the Senate Minority leaders in the upcoming National Assembly proceedings.

Reports revealed that Wike, renowned for his political astuteness, pushed for his faction to be given the opportunity to select the Minority leader of the 10th Senate, instead of leaving the decision to the PDP national organ. The meeting was attended by key political figures such as the Deputy Senate President, Senator Jibrin Barau, the newly appointed Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel, and Senators Jibrin Isah and Salihu Mustapha, representing Kogi East Senatorial District and Kwara Central Senatorial District respectively.

While Wike remained tight-lipped and refrained from speaking to journalists after the meeting, sources confirmed that he passionately advocated for his faction to produce the Senate and House of Representatives Minority leaders. The ultimate decision whether to grant Wike’s proposal lies with the Senate President, though traditionally, the choice of Majority and Minority Leaders has been handled by the political party organ.

One source disclosed, “Wike is determined to have his faction in control of the principal officer positions, although he did not reveal the specific names targeted. He is actively seeking the necessary support from the National Assembly’s leadership, as well as from members of other minority political parties in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.”

It remains to be seen if the Senate President will accede to Wike’s request. However, it is important to note that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the majority with 59 Senators, followed by the PDP with 36 Senators. Other minority parties in the National Assembly include Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), and Young Progressives Party (YPP).