The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is heading towards a clash with its lawmakers in the National Assembly, as it disowns the recently announced list of principal officers by the chambers’ leadership.
During a meeting between the NWC and the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) in Abuja, the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, labeled the announcement as mere rumors. He clarified that aside from the Senate president, his deputy, Speaker, and their deputies, the party and NWC are unaware of any other choices for principal officers.
Adamu emphasized that the party intends to follow proper protocols, which involve formal communication and resolution with the lawmakers before making any announcements. The NWC also plans to reconstitute the party’s caucus according to the APC’s constitution.
In response to the situation, the APC governors under the PGF assured that they would address the misunderstanding and utilize internal resolution mechanisms to find a solution. The chairman of the PGF, Hope Uzodimma, emphasized that the National Assembly leadership belongs to the APC and enjoys their support.
Meanwhile, the leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, defended the upper legislative chamber’s decision to choose its principal officers, deviating from the established practice of parties sending names to the Senate President. Former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and former Senate leader Mohammed Ali Ndume failed to secure the desired positions, as Bamidele was appointed majority leader.
In the House of Representatives, Julius Ihonvbere emerged as the Leader of the House, while Kingsley Chinda became the minority leader. The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the need for accountability, transparency, and good governance principles within the House.
Moving forward, the APC aims to resolve the conflicts and ensure unity among its members while maintaining adherence to party protocols and democratic processes.