Politics

10th NASS Leadership Crisis: N-Central Govs Kick Against Zoning, To Meet Tinubu, NWC

Published

3 years ago

May 16, 2023

The 10th National Assembly leadership crisis on zoning rocking the the All Progressives Congress, APC, has deepened as the North-Central Governors’ Forum, and National Assembly members kicked against exclusion of the zone from the sharing of principal officers of the legislature.

They, however, resolved to meet with the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s National Working Committee, NWC to express their grievances.

Also, aggrieved speakership aspirants vowed to take their battle to the plenary, today and some of the aspirants have commenced fresh moves to undermine one another.

In the Senate, core loyalists of President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Vanguard gathered, have initiated moves to thwart the action of a Senate adhoc committee to probe Senator Godswill Akpabio, who has been endorsed by the APC NWC, and Tinubu as the next Senate President.

The outgoing Senate President, Ahmad Lawan had last week instituted a probe against Akpabio over allegedly questionable unapproved expenditure in the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, while Akpabio supervised the interventionist agency.

Those present at the meeting include Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State, Governor Abdulrahaman Abdulrazak of Kwara State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of

Nassarawa State, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, the Governor-elect of Benue State, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Idris Wase; Senator Mohammed Musa and Mr Yusuf Gagdi.

Speaking after its meeting held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa Abuja, chairman and Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Bello, said: “The meeting reviewed the proposed zoning structure released, and promised to reach out to the President-elect, Bola Tinubu and APC National Working Committee to appeal for re-consideration of the zoning of the Presiding offices of the National Assembly as released by the NWC.

“The meeting discussed the zoning as released and raised reservation with the allocation of the positions of the Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the 10th National Assembly to a particular geopolitical zone of the country.

“That the meeting resolved and agreed to fully utilize all necessary dialogue and consultations to resolving the NASS leadership issue, they all agreed to reach out to all major stakeholders for an amicable and acceptable zoning framework that will be all inclusive.”

Aggrieved aspirants opt to battle zoning at plenary

Vanguard gathered that today’s plenary session might be stormy owing to the preparedness of most members of the House of Representatives to probe the mystery behind the amendment of the House Standing Rules in respect of the election into leadership position, especially the speaker and deputy.

Yari ignores APC’s zoning template

Meanwhile, one of the Senate presidency aspirants and Senator- elect for Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, yesterday, said he is in the race in line with the constitution of the country and not the zoning arrangement by any political party.

Fielding questions from journalists at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja at the ongoing Induction Programme for Members- elect organised by the National Assembly and National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, NILDS, Yari noted that his aspiration was not an affront.

His words: “My aspiration for Presidency of the 10th Senate is covered by relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, which to me, is superior to any other law or arrangement. I am a loyal party man, nobody has told me that any position has been zoned to anywhere as far as the 10th National Assembly is concerned.

“The position of President of the Senate is first among equals among the 109 Senators Any Senator-elect, who wants to occupy the position must seek for support of others which I am doing.”

Masari, Radda, Aliero endorse Abass for Reps’ speaker

Ahead of the inauguration, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, has been endorsed by the outgoing and incoming governors of Katsina State, Mr Aminu Masari and Dr Dikko Radda respectively.

Abass is the APC and Tinubu’s choice for the speakership

The endorsements came when Abbas led a delegation of members-elect from the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members from the eight political parties that won seats in the 10th Assembly, on separate visits on Masari and Radda.

In a statement the Abbas’ campaign office in Abuja, explained that both Masari and Radda emphasized party supremacy, saying the political party under whose platform a legislator got elected should be respected at all times.

Speaking during the visit, Masari, a former speaker of the House, said: “You said I’m a party man; you’re right. So, I’ll align myself with what the party says. Once the party takes a position, I’ll make sure that I stand with the decision and make it succeed.”

On his part, Dr Radda said: “I am a party man and I believe we should work with what the party said. I called all our members-elect and told them to work with whatever the party decided. This is our project. This visit is just a formality.

“We in the North-West thank the party and the president-elect for ceding the position of Speaker to us. We have done a lot for the party, so we may ask for more. I am happy to see the kind of people with you. This is a pan-Nigerian project.”

In the same vein, a former governor of Kebbi State, Adamu Aliero also backed Abbas.

Aliero said: “When I learned that Tajudeen Abbas was visiting me, I said this is the moment I was waiting for. I had eminent Nigerians waiting for me, but I decided to wait for you.

“I know very well that APC has taken a stand on zoning. I want to congratulate you for getting the APC endorsement. All we’re waiting for is the inauguration day. God willing, you’ll be there. I must commend you on your bi-partisan approach. The best advice anyone can give you is to be fair and just to all the people that give you their support.

I’m best for Speaker — Jaji

Another contender for the position of Speaker, Mr Aminu Jaji, said some aspirants have no reason to become the Speaker of the House.

Jaji, in a chat with journalists, reiterated that his executive and legislative experience and exposure in the National Assembly among other qualities, stood him out among those aspiring for the Speakership of the 10th Assembly.

His words: “I have the exposure to pilot the affairs of the House of Representatives. Being a presiding officer goes beyond just lawmaking, there are so many things involved. At times when crisis erupts between the executives the only people that can get it right and fix it is the National Assembly because they are representing 360 constituencies. I have all these in abundance and even more.

“I think I’m the best candidate for Speaker of the House of Representatives for many reasons. For some people, if not by right they don’t have any reason to say they want to become the Speaker because they lack the necessary qualification to be the presiding officer. I have the exposure to pilot the affairs of the House of Representatives. Being a presiding officer goes beyond just lawmaking, there are so many things involved. At times when crisis erupts between the executives the only people that can get it right and fix it is the National Assembly because they are representing 360 constituencies.”

Party supremacy should be upheld — Kalu

On his part, the Deputy Speakership candidate, Mr Benjamin Kalu, yesterday, said that the call to jettison party supremacy for other political interests was illogical.

Kalu spoke while playing host to Coalition of Abia Stakeholders, under the aegis of Advocacy for Good Governance Initiative, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Campaign Secretariat of the Joint Task – 10th Assembly Coalition in Abuja.

He said: “I’m a man who believes that the party’s supremacy should not be jettisoned for our political interest. The party provided the vehicle for us to get to where we are, and their decision should be binding on us. That’s the only way we are going to make our party stronger, that’s the only way we are going to make people respect our party. Because our victories came through them.

“So the tripartite arrangements established by this current government is going to be sustained by the incoming administration where the party will sit with the Executive and the Legislature to come up with policy directions that will help our nation grow.”

Speaking earlier, the Convener of the Coalition, Mr Dike Uche told the Deputy Speakership candidate that they were at the Joint Task Secretariat to pledge their support.
VANGUARD

Politics

2027: NDC Unveils Electoral Committee Members For Primaries

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, has released list of Electoral Committee Members to Conduct primary election.

The exercise is for State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, Governorship and Presidential Primaries across all States in Nigeria and the FCT.

This was contained in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Thursday.

The party had provided updates concerning its upcoming Presidential, National Assembly, Governorship, and State Assembly primaries.

According to the party’s National Chairman, Moses Cleopas,
and Barr. Ikenna Alex-Morgan Enekweizu, National Secretary, the primaries are confirmed to take place across the nation on May 29, 2026, adhering to the previously established timetable of May 28 and 29.

Politics

APC: Fubara Has Been Treated Badly, It’s Dangerous For Tinubu – Otubanjo

Published

2 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The director of research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Femi Otubanjo, has said the treatment of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in the just concluded All Progressives Congress’, APC, primary poses political danger to President Bola Tinubu.

Otubanjo stated this on Thursday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, where he also criticised the role being played by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the political affairs of Rivers State and the All Progressives Congress.

According to him, the handling of Fubara’s political crisis remains one of the most surprising developments in Nigeria’s political landscape.

Otubanjo further argued that Wike, who is not a member of the APC, appears to be dictating political activities within the ruling party in Rivers State.The research director warned that the current political arrangement in Rivers State could negatively affect Tinubu politically, insisting that Wike was pursuing his personal agenda rather than that of the president.

He said: “The treatment of Fubara must be one of the American wonders of Nigerian politics. Fubara has been badly treated. We have a situation in which Nyesom Wike who is not even in the APC is taking the primary decision in the APC. I hope the tactical team of President Bola Tinubu is not sleeping.

“The reality is that what they have done is very dangerous for Tinubu. What has emerged in Rivers today is that Wike is pursuing his own agenda, not Tinubu’s agenda inspite of PBAT and all of that combination.”

“If Wike really wants to pursue Tinubu’s agenda, he must retain Fubara.”

Politics

In Defence Of Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe: The Generational Shift Reshaping Edo Politics

Published

22 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

By DAN Osa-Ogbegie

For decades, Edo politics remained trapped within a narrow and predictable cycle of political recycling. The same ageing actors moved endlessly from one office to another, from one administration to the next, and from one political alignment to another, as though leadership in Edo State had become the exclusive inheritance of a permanent political aristocracy.

Meanwhile, thousands of intelligent, energetic, and capable young Edo people watched helplessly from the margins while opportunities for leadership, governance, party administration, and public service remained tightly controlled by individuals whose political relevance dated back several decades.

That unhealthy political culture is now gradually changing.

Today, one of the most important political transformations taking place within the All Progressives Congress in Edo State is the deliberate transition from recycled political gerontocracy to a younger generation of political actors. That transition is unfolding under the leadership of Senator Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State and Leader of the APC in Edo State, together with the State Chairman of the party, Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe.

Predictably, such a shift has unsettled entrenched interests.

Those who became accustomed to monopolising political relevance naturally feel threatened by the emergence of a younger generation that is increasingly assertive, visible, influential, and institutionally empowered. Yet, history teaches a simple lesson: no political structure survives indefinitely without renewal.

No serious political party can continue recycling the same exhausted political machinery forever while expecting innovation, grassroots energy, modern governance ideas, and long-term political sustainability.

That reality appears to be clearly understood by Governor Monday Okpebholo and Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe.

Much of the criticism unfairly directed at Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe in recent times stems from the fact that he has become one of the visible faces of this generational transition within Edo APC. Beneath the noise, propaganda, and political bitterness lies an undeniable truth: the party is consciously opening spaces for younger people in ways not seen for many years.

From the youthful Deputy Chairman of APC in Edo State, Sylvester Aigboboh, to several younger commissioners, Special Advisers, members of the State Executive Council, board chairmen, local government administrators, and strategic appointees across government, the evidence of deliberate political renewal is becoming increasingly impossible to ignore.

In Uhunmwode Local Government Area, Hon. Austin Imafidon has emerged as one of the young faces of focused governance and grassroots administration. Beyond politics, he has already established himself successfully in business, bringing into governance the mindset of productivity, enterprise, and modern administrative engagement.

In Etsako, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson has continued to attract national attention as the youngest ALGON Chairman in Nigeria, representing a clear departure from the era where local government leadership was treated as the permanent preserve of ageing political operators disconnected from younger demographics.

In Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Hon. Eric Osawaru represents another example of the younger political generation now entrusted with leadership responsibilities, while in Oredo Local Government Area, Engr. Gabriel Iduseri equally reflects the growing confidence being reposed in younger administrators within the APC structure.

In Owan, Hon. Aitalegbe Ernest, popularly known as “China Boy,” has also emerged as one of the prominent young political figures gaining traction as the incoming Chairman of the local government, further reinforcing the expanding generational transition currently taking shape across Edo State.

The same pattern is visible across government institutions and strategic agencies.

Pastor Stanley Dave Ighodaro, a successful entrepreneur with thriving business interests in Europe, now heads the Edo State Parks and Gardens Agency. His emergence reflects an increasingly important shift towards bringing professionally exposed and globally minded younger individuals into governance and public administration.

Similarly, Kassim Otono, who serves as Special Adviser on Oil and Gas to the Executive Governor of Edo State, represents another example of younger technocratic involvement within the present administration. His inclusion within such a strategic sector underscores the growing confidence being placed in younger professionals and politically aware technocrats within government.

This is how enduring institutions are built.

A political party that refuses to regenerate itself eventually becomes intellectually stagnant, structurally weak, and electorally disconnected from evolving social realities.

Governor Monday Okpebholo deserves commendation for recognising that governance in a rapidly changing society cannot remain permanently tied to political methods and leadership assumptions developed several decades ago. Contemporary governance demands adaptability, technological awareness, stronger grassroots engagement, administrative energy, and a deeper connection with younger populations.

Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe equally deserves credit for helping stabilise the party while managing this difficult but necessary transition process. Generational shifts are never easy within political systems historically dominated by established interests. Resistance is inevitable. Political resentment is expected. Internal anxieties naturally emerge whenever old monopolies begin to weaken.

Leadership, however, requires courage.

The recently concluded primaries further revealed this evolving direction within the APC. The emergence of candidates such as Rt. Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, Osazee Igbinovia, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy Iyamu, Omosede Igbinedion, Sir Lucky Eseigbe, and Odianosen Okojie reflects a growing political philosophy that increasingly values capacity, grassroots relevance, contemporary appeal, and generational continuity.

Equally symbolic is the emergence of several young Acting Local Government Council Chairmen who are now candidates of the party in the forthcoming local government elections. That development sends a powerful message across Edo State that political participation is gradually becoming more accessible to younger people with competence, commitment, and organisational value.

For too long, many young people in Edo politics were reduced to political spectators, social media defenders, praise singers, or election-day foot soldiers while actual power remained tightly guarded elsewhere. Such a model was never sustainable.

A society that continuously sidelines its younger generation ultimately weakens its own political future.

The ongoing transition within Edo APC does not amount to hostility towards elders or experienced political actors. Experience remains valuable. Elder statesmen still possess institutional memory and political wisdom that younger actors can benefit from immensely. Mentorship, however, must never become political suffocation. Guidance must never evolve into permanent political domination.

Every generation deserves the opportunity to participate meaningfully in shaping the future it will eventually inherit.

That is precisely why the current direction of the APC leadership in Edo State deserves objective acknowledgement rather than emotional hostility.

Many of those attacking Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe today are not truly angry about party administration. Their deeper discomfort arises from the reality that political influence is gradually shifting away from old centres of control towards a newer generation of actors who may no longer depend entirely on traditional political gatekeepers for relevance or survival.

Societies evolve.

Political cultures evolve.

Leadership itself evolves.

No generation owns political power forever.

Ultimately, the future of Edo State cannot be built exclusively around recycled political veterans whose greatest political moments belong largely to the past. A forward-looking society must continuously create room for younger leadership, newer ideas, fresh administrative energy, and modern political thinking.

That future is already unfolding within the APC in Edo State.

History may eventually remember Khalifa Jarrett Tenebe and Governor Monday Okpebholo as central figures in the difficult but necessary political transition that began moving Edo away from recycled political dominance towards a broader and younger leadership culture capable of preparing the state for a different era.

Daniel Aroren Noah Osa-Ogbegie is a Benin based legal practitioner and public intellectual from Uhunmwode Local Government Area.