Senate President Akpabio faces uphill battle as first southerner in 16 years

Senate President Godwill Akpabio, the first Southerner to hold the Senate president position in 16 years, is encountering significant opposition to his leadership, both within and outside the ruling party.

Many lawmakers, including members of the APC (All Progressives Congress), have expressed concerns about Akpabio’s leadership style in the Senate. Notable among them is Sen Ali Ndume, a former coordinator of Akpabio’s campaign, and Elisha Abbo, who spearheaded the anti-Akpabio movement until his removal from the House.

Akpabio and Ndume have clashed openly on multiple occasions. Ndume, however, is viewed by many as not posing a significant challenge due to his history of opposing Senate Presidents without notable success.

The Senate President, despite the endorsement from the president and the party, secured 63 votes, while his rival, Abdulaziz Yari, garnered 46 votes, highlighting the narrow margin of his victory.

From 1999 to 2007, five Southerners occupied the Senate President seat, but three of them were removed for various reasons. In contrast, Northerners who have held the position enjoyed relatively stable tenures.

Akpabio’s challenge could be linked to the Senate’s distribution, with 51 Senators from the South and 58 from the North. Additionally, the majority of Southern Senators belong to opposition parties.

Many Senators are hesitant to go against President Tinubu’s wishes due to the expectation of better funding for the National Assembly, particularly with the 2024 budget soon to be presented. President Tinubu previously allocated N70 billion to lawmakers, and they are set to receive SUVs instead of the traditional Toyota Camry vehicles.

Despite the challenges, Akpabio currently enjoys the support of the President and key figures like Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Opeyemi Bamidele, and Solomon Olamilekan. The delicate balance of power within the Senate may play a pivotal role in Akpabio’s ability to maintain his position.