The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has refuted reports claiming that it endorsed specific Senators for principal positions as declared by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
In a meeting between the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party and governors elected on the party’s platform, held at the NWC Hall of the party’s national secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday, the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Adamu, dismissed the alleged endorsement of Senate principal officers.
Adamu informed the governors that the party has not officially communicated its preferred choices for principal officers of the National Assembly.
He stated, “You will receive an update on the national election in the National Assembly regarding the sharing of powers, especially the leadership of the chambers – the election of the principal officers of the Senate by the Senate president and deputy Senate president. The election of the speaker and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives has been concluded and announced, along with their responsibilities.
“The remaining positions to be determined by the two chambers have not been decided. I had a courtesy call from the Senate president and his deputy on Saturday. The following day, which was Sunday, the Speaker and his deputy also visited me for Sallah’s homage.
RELATED: Akpabio Names Bamidele, Ndume, Umahi, Asiru as Senate Principal Officers
“However, I am only hearing as a rumor from online media that there have been certain announcements in the Senate and House of Representatives. The national headquarters of the party, NWC, has not provided any such information or communicated the choice of positions.
“And until we officially resolve and communicate with them in writing, following the normal protocol and practice, we do not intend to break away from traditions. Therefore, any announcement made by the Senate president, deputy Senate president, Speaker, or deputy Speaker is not from this secretariat.”
Adamu also informed the governors about the reconstitution of the party’s caucus, as there had been no caucus in place for some time.
He stated, “The caucus has been reconstituted in accordance with the APC constitution. We will discuss this with you as governors, as you know your states better than we do. Even if we come from the same state, you as governors hold the leadership.
“We will listen to your advice and explore how we can ensure compliance with the provisions of the party’s constitution.
“We hope to receive reports from the chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) or his representative, to understand your sentiments, what is going on, and your thoughts on how to improve the party’s chances, thereby reducing the problems and conflicts we have been hearing from time to time. Then, by God’s grace, we will have interactions.
“Along with the caucus, the National Advisory Council will provide you with the prepared list, ensuring that every state is represented. We will inform you and seek your advice. You will also receive detailed accounts from April 2022 to April 2023. The PCC account has been audited and submitted to INEC by the party.”
LEADERSHIP previously reported on Tuesday that Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced four principal officers for the majority party in the 10th Senate.
The four principal officers, excluding those from the Minority Parties, included Senator Opeyemi Bamidele as Senate Majority Leader.
Bamidele represents Ekiti Central in the Senate.
Others were Senator David Umahi, representing Ebonyi South, as Deputy Majority Leader.
Former Majority Leader in the 8th Senate, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, is the Senate Majority Whip, while Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Kwara South, is the
Deputy Majority Whip.
Akpabio, however, claimed that the choice of the principal officers was made by consensus.