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10th NASS: APC divided over principal officers named by Akpabio, Abasz
The All Progressives Congress, APC is divided over the emergence of principal officers in the 10th National Assembly.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC distanced itself from the majority leadership positions announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Akpabio and Abbas announced the emergence of new principal officers during Tuesday's plenary.
Akpabio stated that the announcement was in line with agreements by the caucuses of the majority and minority parties.
In the Senate, Akpabio named Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti) as Majority Leader, David Umahi (APC, Ebonyi) as Deputy Majority Leader, Mohammed Ali Ndume (APC, Borno) as Senate Majority Whip, and Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara) as Deputy Majority Whip.
Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon (PDP, Plateau North) was also named as the Minority Leader.
In the House of Representatives, Speaker Abbas appointed Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) as Majority Leader, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims (APC, Kogi) as Deputy Majority Leader, Usman Bello Kumo (APC, Gombe) as Chief Whip, and Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga (APC, Ogun) as Deputy Chief Whip.
Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) emerged as the Minority Leader of the House.
The national chairman of APC, Abdullahi Adamu, stated that the party's NWC was not aware of the emergence of principal officers and had not communicated officially with the presiding officers.
During a meeting with governors who are members of the party, Adamu emphasized that until the party resolves and communicates in writing, the announcements made are not from the party's secretariat.
However, Imo State governor and chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum, Hope Uzodinma, expressed support for Akpabio and Abass, stating that they have the backing of the party's governors on the choice of principal officers.
Uzodinma assured that any communication gaps would be resolved internally, emphasizing that the National Assembly leadership enjoys the support of the Progressive Governors' Forum and the party as a whole.
