Last Minute Negotiation: Orji Kalu, Izunaso, Others, Steps Down for Akpabio, Details Emerge

• The chief whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, and Osita Izunaso are said to be considering pulling out of the Senate presidency race
• According to sources, Kalu, Izunaso, and others have decided to step down from the race following last-minute negotiation
• Meanwhile, the ruling APC has settled for Godswill Akpabio as its preferred choice for senate presidency and Tajudeen Abass for Speaker of the House of Representatives

With only a few hours to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, Orji Uzor Kalu, a former governor of Abia state, and Osita Izunaso, a former national organising secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), are considering dropping out of the race for the Senate presidency.

Kalu, Izunaso, and Abdulaziz Yari, a former governor of Zamfara state, had insisted on running for the office of the Senate president, despite the stance of their party.

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Orji Kalu, Izunaso considering dropping out of Senate president race

The ruling party had already settled for Godswill Akpabio, a former governor of Niger Delta Affairs, as its preferred choice for the Senate president and chose Jibrin Barau, senator representing Kano north, as deputy Senate president, but the trio insisted on running.

But in last-minute negotiations, Kalu and Izunaso have considered dropping out of the race after the southeast leaders meeting, The Cable reported.

Senators-elect from other geo-political zones also attended the minute.

Source reveals Kalu and others are stepping down for Akpabio

A source privy to the happenings disclosed that Yari might now be on his own because of the duo’s move to align with the ruling party.

“All the 15 senators-elect from south-east have agreed to support Godswill Akpabio. They held a meeting with him where they pledged their support to him,” the source said.

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Abdul Ningi, a former principal officer of the Senate, said last week that Yari had more than 60 senators-elect supporting his bid.

He, however, did not name the senators or display any evidence.

“Nigeria’s not fair,” Orji Kalu weeps at Senate’s valedictory plenary

The 9th Senate, having completed its four-year term, is at the moment carrying out a Valedictory session at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Saturday, June 10.

During the session, Senators were given the opportunity to speak their minds on their stay in the Upper Chamber.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who noted that his remarks would be a little bit emotional, wept while speaking, narrating how he has been treated politically, especially by those he helped build and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he spent his money to nurture.

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10th NASS: 5 reasons Godswill Akpabio could become Nigeria's next Senate President

A fresh update has emerged in the buildup to the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly slated for Saturday, June 13.

At the Senate, aspirants have begun to intensify efforts to woo lawmakers to support their ambition in clinching the coveted Senate President seat.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Abdulaziz Yari and Senator Orji Kalu are all in contention for the top seat.

Source: Legit.ng