3 APC Senators That Might Emerge Senate President If The Party Wins Majority Votes

Senator Chris Ngige

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is undoubtedly Nigeria’s strongest ever opposition party since the inception of democratic governance in Africa’s most populated nation.

The party since its inception, have given the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a run for their money. Filled with respected and formidable politicians across board like former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the most popular governor in the South-East, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the energetic mobiliser from the South-South and Rivers state governor, Rotimi Amaechi, the APC is no doubt a thorn in the flesh of the PDP.

As Nigerians look forward to the general elections later this month, one question that political analysts have continued to ask is which party will dominate the National Assembly. This is because of the strategic role the legislature plays in Nigeria’s fledgling democracy.

There are those who are of the opinion that the APC will upstage the PDP in the legislative arm of government, this they say is because of the party’s growing popularity among Nigerians.
Naij.com has compiled a list of 3 ranking senators that might emerge the Senate President if the APC emerges with the majority votes in the upper chamber.

1. Senator Bukola Saraki: At 52, Saraki has seen it all as far as Nigeria’s politics is concerned. Having served as the special assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Budget in the year 2000 to 2003. Saraki governed Kwara state for 8 years after which he was elected into the Senate in the 2011. He currently represents Kwara Central Senatorial District in the Senate and he is contesting to retain his position. Saraki has perfectly stepped into the big political shoes his father, Late Chief Olusola Saraki (popularly called ‘Oloye’, one time Senate majority leader) left behind. The medical doctor turned politician is one to look out for as his political clout and sagacity can get him the seat if his party gets the majority votes in the red chamber.

Senator Bukola Saraki

 2. Senator Chris Ngige: To say Chris Ngige is a political colossus is an understatement. Coincidentally, he is a former medical doctor like Saraki. He retired in 1998 as a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Health. Ngige, who governed Anambra state for 3 years before he was booted out by the courts, has a cult-like following in the South East. His ability to mix freely with politicians from different divides put him in a good stead to win the Senate No 1 seat. His leadership qualities are not in doubt as he remains one of the best governors in the history of Anambra state. If APC wins the majority votes in the upper house, and decides to zone the Senate presidency to the Suth East, there is no doubt that Ngige’s name will come tops in the list. He currently represents Anambra Central District and he is gunning for another four years in the red chamber.

3. Senator George Akume: Akume is the first Executive Governor of Benue State to have completed two terms in office. In 2007, he won elections to represent the people of Benue North West Senatorial District. He was re-elected in 2011. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree In Sociology and a Master’s Degree In Labour Relations From the University of Ibadan, Akume just like Ngige, was a career civil servant who rose to the apex of his career and retired as a permanent secretary. The 61-year old is currently the minority leader in the Senate which gives him an advantage over the other two senators mentioned above. He has been a rallying figure for the APC senators and has continually been in the forefront of challenging the ruling party’s political gimmicks in the upper chamber.

Senator George Akume

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has slashed its overhead budget by 25 percent to help free up more funds for capital expenditure.

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