Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed concerns about the diminishing number of lawmakers supporting the Senate presidency ambition of former Akwa Ibom State governor, Godswill Akpabio. In an effort to increase support ahead of the National Assembly leadership election, Shettima has promised to rally more supporters.
A pre-election meeting between Shettima and senators-elect supporting Akpabio was held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja. However, only 52 senators attended the meeting, which lasted until the early hours of the next day. The meeting was organized by the Stability Group, which aims to ensure Akpabio’s success in the election against former Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari.
Akpabio claimed that despite 73 senators initially pledging their support, the number of senators-elect backing him has risen to 80. The absence of many senators at the meeting was attributed to short notice.
Akpabio needs at least 55 votes out of the 109 senators-elect to secure the Senate presidency. During the meeting, Shettima, accompanied by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, discussed strategies to garner more support for Akpabio’s candidacy.
Shettima expressed his determination to persuade his colleagues to support Akpabio, even stating that he was prepared to be on his knees to plead with them. He mentioned his efforts to gain the support of senators from Yobe State and Taraba, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and justice in a diverse nation like Nigeria.
Akume also expressed his prior endorsement of Akpabio’s ambition, highlighting Akpabio’s experience in both the executive and legislative branches of government, which he believes contributes to his ability to build a united and prosperous country.
In response, Akpabio expressed gratitude to the party, the President, Vice President, and his colleagues for their support. He expressed confidence in securing the support of 80 senators during the upcoming vote.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) raised concerns about an alleged plan to arrest key northern aspirants for the positions of Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate President. The group claimed that former governor Yari and his supporters were being threatened with arrest in an attempt to coerce him out of the contest. The CNG called on the President to intervene and prevent any actions that could undermine impartial governance and potentially create divisions within the northern region.
