The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has made an announcement regarding the new Senate leaders. Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from APC, Ekiti Central, has been appointed as the Senate Majority Leader, while former Senate Leader Senator Ali Ndume from APC, Borno South, has been appointed as the Senate Chief Whip.
In accordance with a letter from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Akpabio also announced that Senator Dave Umahi from APC, Ebonyi South, will serve as the Deputy Leader, and Senator Lola Ashiru from APC, Kwara South, will take on the role of Deputy Whip.
At 11:18 am, Akpabio entered the Senate Chamber, where he proceeded to pray at 11:20 am. He then requested Senator Orji Uzor Kalu from APC, Abia North, to move for the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings from June 14th, which was seconded by Senator Ezenwa, Imo East.
Furthermore, Akpabio announced the following positions for the minority party: Sen. Simon Mwadkwon from PDP, Plateau, as Senate Minority Leader; Sen. Oyewumi Olalere from PDP, Osun, as Deputy Minority Leader; Sen. Darlington Nwokocha from LP, Abia, as Minority Whip; and Sen. Rufai Hanga from NNPP, Kano, as Deputy Minority Whip.
It is worth mentioning that Senator Godswill Akpabio, who represents Akwa Ibom North-West District, emerged as the leader of the 10th National Assembly. Akpabio secured victory over his opponent Abdulaziz Yari, receiving 63 votes compared to his rival's 46 votes. This achievement makes Akpabio the first South-Southerner to be elected President of the Senate since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
In the previous general election, the APC party obtained the majority of seats in the green chamber with over 170, followed by the PDP with over 100, the Labour Party with over 35, and the New Nigeria People's Party with approximately 20.