10th NASS Presiding Officers: Youth group backs APC zoning, says it’s for sake of nation’s unity

Youths group operating under the auspices of Progressive Youth Intellectuals from North West on Tuesday said, the zoning arrangement of presiding officers of the 10th National Assembly was a manifestation of desired unity and peace.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the forum convener, Hafizu Liman, explained that they have consulted widely on the implications of the announcement by the APC NWC on 9th May, 2023 and discovered wisdom in the decision of party leaders.

The group envisaged a harmonious working relationship with the executive arm of government, if the duo of Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau emerged President and Deputy President of the 10th Senate respectively.

They further threw their weight behind the proposed Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abass from North West and Benjamin Kalu from South East respectively.

On the choice of Deputy Senate President and Speaker coming from North West, the group argued that the zone generated the highest votes of 2.6 milion for APC in the 2023 general election.

The group said: “Looking at the 2023 general election results, it is obvious that the North West deserves to lead the Senate as the quantum of votes werel scored for the party.

“With over 2.6 million, Senator Jibrin Barau scored more than 250,000 votes for President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima.”

According to them, Kano North Senatorial constituents insisted on Barau contesting for Senate Presidency, but because of his loyalty to the party, he shelved his ambition and settle for Deputy Senate President in line with the party’s decision.

They expressed fears that the All Progressives Congress might have issues in the North West in 2027 if the current arrangements was tampered with, adding Senator Barau’s election victory in Kano should be leveraged in order to return APC to the State.

“Senator Barau is the only person that can restore the APC dominance in Kano and the entire North West to Mr President.

“In the next general election and at his disposition as Deputy Senate President and qualities of a rarely, but exceptional leader whose passion for the development of our zone is second to none within the entire North West Senators.