Shettima, S-South governors split opposition’s ranks

The All Progressives Congress (APC) finds itself in the midst of internal conflicts and power struggles as discussions surrounding the party’s zoning template intensify.

In a bid to ensure the party’s choices prevail, Vice President-elect Senator Kashim Shettima, a South-South governor, and influential power brokers have taken action.

Last week, the APC National Working Committee (NWC) unveiled its preferred candidates for key positions in the 10th National Assembly, including Senator Godswill Akpabio (South-South) for Senate president, Jibrin Barau (North-West) for Deputy Senate president, Tajudeen Abass (North-West) for speaker, and Benjamin Kalu (South-East) for Deputy Speaker. While this move aimed to prevent opposition parties from securing leadership roles, it has triggered controversy within the party and the wider political landscape.

Members-elect of the House of Representatives from Cross River State have resolved to support the APC’s choices for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, citing the supremacy of the party. The Progressives Foundational Movement (PFM), an APC support group, has also advised key figures like President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Senator Abdullahi Adamu-led NWC not to succumb to pressure to deviate from the party’s current zoning formula for leadership positions.

However, a group of Northern businessmen and politicians has cautioned against disregarding the North-West’s demand to produce the Senate President. Meanwhile, former members of the National Assembly from the South-South have raised objections to the micro-zoning of slots, arguing that positions should be open to respective zones. The Generation Next Collective (GNC) has called on the APC to allow the election of presiding officers for the 10th House of Representatives to proceed without interference, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the parliament.

In the midst of these conflicts, Senator Akpabio has expressed confidence in securing the required support across party lines to clinch the Senate Presidency. Akpabio, along with other Senators-elect, sought the support of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy visit, emphasizing their commitment to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s nationalistic project.

Amidst the escalating tensions, the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF) may intervene to address the crisis surrounding the party’s zoning formula. Aggrieved aspirants for leadership positions have expressed hope that the PGF’s involvement will help alleviate the growing tension.

Power brokers, including Vice President-elect Senator Shettima and a prominent South-South governor, have embarked on strategies to weaken opposition ranks. Dissatisfied speakership aspirants have rejected the Deputy Speakership position offered to them by power brokers. Parallel opposition groups have formed, seeking to counter the recognized opposition caucus and support the APC’s preferred candidates for leadership positions.

As the race for key positions in the 10th National Assembly unfolds, the APC is navigating through a complex web of rivalries, dissent, and shifting alliances. The outcome of these internal battles will shape the party’s trajectory and influence Nigeria’s political landscape.