APC Adopts Omo Agege, Wase For Deputy Senate President, Deputy Speaker Posts

The national leadership of the All Progressives Congress has settled for the Senator representing Delta Central , Ovie Omo – Agege , as the deputy Senate President for the Ninth National Assembly , Saturday PUNCH confirmed on Thursday .

Although no official declaration has been made by the party, it was learnt that the senator received overwhelming endorsement of members of the National Working Committee because he had been a loyal party man.
Senator Francis Alimikhena representing Edo North is however believed to be interested in the office. The APC National Chairman , Adams Oshiomhole , is from the same senatorial district .

A member of the party top hierarchy , who spoke with our correspondent in confidence , said the party leaders had already set machinery in motion for the emergence of Omo -Agege .

“ He has been endorsed as the party ’s candidate for deputy Senate President . The party will make a formal announcement soon . He is the one the party leaders want because he has demonstrated consistency and loyalty,” the member said.

Another source told our correspondent that the NWC had also decided to throw its weight behind the member representing Wase Federal Constituency of Plateau State , Ahmed Wase , for the post of deputy speaker.

The source said, “ Wase is experienced , forthright and imbued with leadership qualities . This, he has demonstrated over the years. He is the man for the job. He will combine well with Gbajabiamila in the House of Representatives. ”

It was learnt that no endorsement had been made by the NWC for other positions for strategic reasons .

The other positions are Majority leader , Deputy Majority Leader , Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip for both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

“ The party is trying to avoid distractions and wants to focus on the presiding officers for now . Nobody has been endorsed for other principal offices in order to manage the conflict of interest that could arise . We don’ t want to create a loophole that the opposition could latch on . So, it is better we take it slow and steady so as not to lose focus ,” the source added .
When contacted , the APC National Publicity Secretary , Lanre Issa – Onilu, said, “ There is no information on other positions, the party has spoken and endorsed candidates for Senate President and the Speaker; so that is where we are now . When it is time to make a formal declaration on other positions, the public will be duly informed .”

Issa -Onilu, while declining further comments on the issue , said the party would do the right thing at the right time and would not want to be put under undue pressure .

“ We will not play to the gallery , it is our internal affairs to endorse or zone ; and we will treat it so,” he said .

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