Senator Godswill Akpabio Becomes Nigeria’s 10th Senate President

Senator Godswill Akpabio has emerged Nigeria’s 10th Senate President. Akpabio’s remarkable feat has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, as he secured a resounding victory over his closest rival, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari. The election, which took place on Tuesday morning within the esteemed chambers of the National Assembly, signifies a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey. Akpabio’s appointment to the influential position ushers in a new era of leadership under President Bola Tinubu, instilling hope in Nigerians for the delivery of long-awaited dividends of democracy.

The senatorial election was rife with anticipation and speculation, captivating the attention of the nation. Ultimately, Senator Godswill Akpabio garnered a majority of votes from his esteemed colleagues, a testament to his political acumen, experience, and widespread support within the Senate. Renowned as an influential and respected figure in Nigerian politics, Akpabio has deftly built bridges that transcend partisan divides. Having previously served as a two-term governor under the banner of the main opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his ascent to Senate President now sees him representing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

How Senator Godswill Akpabio Emerged

The voting process commenced promptly at 8:45 am, proceeding in an orderly manner, state by state, alphabetically, and concluded precisely at 9:15 am.

Jerrymusa.com reports that the contest between Akpabio and Yari, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC), was fiercely contested. Nominations were received for both candidates, and after a thorough consideration, the Clerk of the Senate announced the closure of nominations in the absence of further submissions.

Yari, a former governor of Zamfara state, had previously protested the endorsement of Senator Godswill Akpabioby the APC, calling for a review of the decision. However, the party stood firm in its support for Akpabio. The APC had also endorsed Barau Jibrin from the North-West region for the position of Deputy Senate President, solidifying its position on the matter. While a significant number of APC senators aligned with Yari’s camp, rejecting the party’s stance and demanding a reconsideration, arguing that the North-West region, which secured the highest votes for the President, deserved compensation.

Amidst the political maneuvering, some APC members implored Yari to withdraw his ambition to facilitate a smooth transition for Akpabio. However, the former governor remained resolute, vowing to press on until the very end.

APC In an Almost Clean Sweep

In the recently concluded elections, the ruling APC secured approximately 70 seats in the Red Chamber, the highest representation of any party. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP), and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) also secured notable positions within the Senate.

While numerous APC lawmakers initially expressed interest in becoming the next Senate President, several aspirants eventually withdrew from the race, allowing Akpabio and Yari to emerge as the leading contenders. Both senators are now poised to compete for the coveted role of Senate President, following in the footsteps of the current Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Senator Godswill Akpabio’s victorious ascent to the position of Senate President has set the stage for a transformative era in Nigeria’s legislative landscape. As he assumes this prestigious position, Nigerians eagerly anticipate the impact of his leadership and the positive changes it promises to deliver. With the APC’s strong majority in the Senate and Akpabio’s proven track record as a seasoned politician and former governor, the expectations for progress, unity, and effective governance have never been higher.

As the nation enters this new chapter of leadership, Nigerians hope that Senator Godswill Akpabio’s tenure as Senate President will be marked by unwavering dedication to the nation.