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BREAKING NEWS: Senator Akpabio elected 10th Senate President
Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, has been elected the President of the 10th Senate.
Akpabio, who is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was elected on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. He defeated Abdul’aziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State, who is also a member of the APC.
Akpabio polled 95 votes to defeat Yari, who polled 55 votes. There was one spoilt vote. Akpabio’s election as Senate President is a major victory for the APC. The party had been embroiled in a bitter power struggle ahead of the election.
Akpabio’s victory is also seen as a major boost for President Muhammadu Buhari. Buhari had endorsed Akpabio for the position of Senate President.
In his acceptance speech, Akpabio pledged to work with the members of the Senate to ensure that the legislature is effective and efficient. He also pledged to work with the executive arm of government to deliver on the promises made to the Nigerian people.
The senators protested that Yari was not allowed to stand for the position as a first-time senator.
After the lawmakers cast their votes in alphabetical order, two representatives of each team came to count their votes.
Senators Adeola Solomon and Ndume came out to represent Senator Akpabio, while Abbo and the senator-elect representing Ondo South Senatorial District, Jimoh Ibrahim, represented Senator Yari.
Akpabio’s election as Senate President is a major development in Nigerian politics. It remains to be seen how he will perform in his new role.