The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially adopted controversial Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, as its candidate
for the office of Deputy Senate President; and Hon. Muhammed Idris Wase as candidate for office of Deputy Speaker.
It has, therefore, mandated its members in both Houses of the National Assembly, who take their oaths on Tuesday, to ensure their emergence in addition to previously endorsed candidates for offices of Senate President and Speaker, Dr. Ahmad Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila respectively.
However, there are other APC candidates running for both prime offices. Senator Ali Ndume is still in the race for the Senate Presidency after another, Senator Danjuma Goje, stepped down for Lawan, following a deal brokered in the Presidential Villa.. Ndume has vowed not to step down, and it is not clear if there is any other candidate in the shadows.
In the House of Representatives, there is APC member, Hon. Mohammed Umar Bago, from Niger State, who is said to have adopted a quiet strategy, away from public glare, to outsmart Gbajabiamila. There are also Hon. Onyejeocha Nkeiruka from Abia State and Jide Olatubosun, from Oyo State.
Omo-Agege, was believed to have led some thugs into the chambers of the Senate in April last year. Omo-Agege, was on suspension at the time he allegedly stormed the chamber with the thugs, who snatched the mace and made away with it.
The mace was later found by the Police, but Omo-Agege was neither charged nor prosecuted for the offence.
A statement by the APC on Sunday announced the choice of Omo-Agege and Wase.
It reads:
– The National Working Committee (NWC) of APC held emergency meetings Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 of June 2019.
– The party formally adopts Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for the positions of Deputy Senate President and Hon. Muhammed Idris Wase as Deputy Speaker. This is sequel to wide consultations with President Muhammadu Buhari, party stakeholders, including APC governors.
You would recall that the party had earlier announced the duo of Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as the party’s candidates for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of House Representatives respectively.
– All elected APC members of the Senate and House of Representatives are hereby directed to fully mobilise as a united force behind the party’s choice.
– Members who have earlier signified interests in these positions are urged to support the party’s decisions as loyal and committed members of APC by working with other members to ensure the emergence of the adopted candidates.