10th NASS: NWC’s endorsements polarise APC as CPC, ACN, ANPP factions emerge
Opposition plots takeover
BY ORIAKU IJELE
The ruling All Progressives Congress, APC is witnessing so many dissenting voices, an aftermath of the decision of the National Working Committee, NWC which on Monday threw its weight behind Godswill Akpabio (South South) and Tajudeen Abass (North West) as Senate President and Speaker respectively.
The decision which has not gone down well with some party followers seems to be reenacting an internal feud between the original components which make up the party-the CAN, CPC, and ANPP. A top party source which spoke with Daily Times said it was as if the loyalists of the President, Muhammadu Buharai are deliberately being targeted. “We are watching but definitely the decision of the NWC did not go down well with many party men. And I can tell you that the loyalists of the President are not happy about this. You will recall that during the primaries, the President’s men had positioned Senator Lawan and I can bet you that the sin of some contestants is simply that they supported Lawan in his presidential bid. But we will see how it will unfold; mind you it is not always that whoever NWC endorses wins.”
The development has engendered hope in the opposition parties as they are poised to cash in on the cracks being created by the disenchantment in APC’s zoning, which completely schemed out zones like North Central and South East from the power equation of the incoming government.
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Opposition members-elect of the House of Representatives have setup a committee to screen and select candidates to run for Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
In a statement on Monday, the members-elect announced Rep. Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Rep. Victor Ogene as Secretary of the 11-man committee.
The statement which was signed by Ogene and three other members of the caucus, said that the committee has one week to turn in its report.
The members, drawn from eight parties which refers to itself as the “Greater Minority” said that with 183 members, they have what it takes to produce the speaker as against the 173 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
“Based on the common pact which our respective political parties have with the Nigerian people, which is to holding government accountable to the people, we resolved to step into the arena, by offering credible and alternative leadership options.
“In keeping with this resolve, the “Greater Majority” of the 10th House of Representatives has put together an 11-man Committee – complemented by a chairman and secretary – charged with the task of shortlisting, screening and eventual recommendation of aspirants for the Speakership and Deputy Speaker positions.
“With a long-standing member of the House of Representatives, Rep. Nicholas Mutu as Chairman, and Rep. Victor Ogene as Secretary, the Committee has one week to turn in its Report,” they said.
Members of the Committee include, Rep. Abdulmumini Jibrin, Deputy Chairman (NNPP) Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP) Rep. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi (SDP) and Rep. Beni Lar (PDP)
Others are, Dr Ali Isa (PDP) Rep. Kabiru Rurum (NNPP) Rep. Donatus Mathew Kuzalio (LP) Rep. Yusuf Salisu Majigiri (PDP) Rep. Nnabuife Chinwe Clara(YPP) Rep. Maureen Chinwe APGA, Rep. Idris Salman(ADC) and Rep. Afam Ogene Secretary (LP)
The APC dominates the House of Representatives with 175 seats while the PDP has 118 and LP controls 35.
