Senator Sani Musa, who represents Niger‑East, is poised to publicly declare his ambition for the Senate Presidency in the 10th National Assembly. Although he has remained silent on the matter, his name has repeatedly appeared on lists of potential candidates. Sources close to the senator say he will officially enter the race on Tuesday. One source explained that Musa is prepared to run for Senate President but is also willing to accept the Deputy Senate President position if party zoning arrangements dictate it. He has been consulting with party leaders and will decide based on the forthcoming zoning formula.
On Monday, Musa expressed a willingness to set aside his own ambition for the sake of national unity and peaceful coexistence. He said he would consider contesting the Deputy Senate Presidency if a competent Christian aspirant for the Senate Presidency persuaded him to step down for genuine reasons. Emphasising Nigeria’s secular character, he stressed the importance of balancing the country’s two main religions. He warned that the tension generated by the Muslim‑Muslim ticket of the All Progressives Congress presidential candidate and running mate should be avoided in the Senate race. With the APC National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, President‑elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, and Vice President‑elect Kashim Shettima all being Muslims, Musa argued that a secular approach is essential for stability.
Musa reiterated his belief in a “give and take” society where Christians and Muslims coexist peacefully, citing intermarriage and shared heritage as evidence of a united nation. He added that he would have no problem stepping aside for a qualified, competent candidate who asked him to do so. Should he relinquish the Senate Presidency, he would gladly accept the Deputy Senate Presidency, describing it as a presiding officer role that serves the nation’s and his zone’s interests. “There’s no sacrifice too great to keep the unity this country deserves,” he affirmed.
The senator also noted that the fact the APC Chairman hails from the same geopolitical zone does not affect his own prospects for a presiding office. His personal relationship with incumbent Senate President Ahmad Lawan, a fellow Yobe senator, will not influence his ambition. Musa clarified that his goal is to represent his constituency and the North Central zone, and that he respects Lawan’s leadership. If the Senate Presidency is zoned to the North Central, Musa said he would support the incumbent while also seeking his own advancement.
In the South‑East, first‑time Senator Patrick Ndubueze of Imo North has also entered the race for Senate President. Ndubueze, a former House of Representatives member whose tenure was cut short by the late Major General Sani Abacha’s coup, is being urged to conduct extensive consultations and lobbying by South‑East leaders. A source indicated that three major contenders from the region are now in the fray: Orji Kalu (Abia North), Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and Ndubueze himself. Although Ndubueze is a newcomer to the Senate, he previously served as chairman of the Works and Housing Committee in the National Assembly in 1992, giving him some political clout.
Other senior senators eyeing the Senate Presidency include Jibrin Barau, Orji Kalu, Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom), Ahmad Lawan (Yobe) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi). These figures constitute the broader field of contenders as the leadership battle for the 10th Assembly intensifies.
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