AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), made an evening visit to Senator Abdulaziz Yari’s residence in Abuja. The purpose of the visit was to foster peace and unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), the governing party.
This visit comes as a result of the recent election of Presiding Officers in the 10th National Assembly. Senator Yari had contested for the Senate Presidency against Senator Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom South-West, who emerged as the victor shortly before the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023.
During his visit, Governor AbdulRazaq, in his capacity as NGF chairman, sought Senator Yari’s support for the new leadership of the 10th Senate and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. This gesture demonstrates the commitment of the APC to foster unity and collaboration within the party.
It is worth noting that Senator Akpabio secured 63 votes out of the 109 votes cast, surpassing Senator Yari, who received 46 votes. However, Senator Yari initially contested the outcome, citing reasons such as constitutional considerations and power equations, as he declined to accept the zoning formula favored by the ruling APC for the leadership positions in the 10th National Assembly.
Immediately following the election and the announcement of Senator Akpabio as the new Senate President by the Clerk to the National Assembly (CNA), Magaji Tambuwal, Senator Yari graciously congratulated his counterpart on his victory. This display of sportsmanship is commendable and reflects the commitment of the APC to maintain harmony within its ranks.