Sixty five Senators from the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party have reportedly backed the bid of the Senator representing Kwara Central, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to become the Senate President in the forthcoming 8th National Assembly.
The endorsement of Saraki was said to have taken place during a meeting held at Transcorp Hilton, convened by a group called ‘Like-minded Senators’, spearheaded by Senator-elect for Kogi West, Dino Melaye.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja, Melaye, who chaired the meeting, said the former Kwara Governor had the experience and expertise to lead the Senate to the Promised Land.
The meeting was said to have been attended by returning and new members of the Senate, including Sabo Nakudu, Mohammed Gobil, Ali Ndume, Danjuma Goje, Binta Garba, Andy Ubah, Sam Egwu, Shehu Sani, Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Aliyu Wammako of Sokoto State.
Melaye added, “The meeting was a mixture of PDP and APC Senators: 40 APC and 25 PDP Senators in attendance. We resolved that we have to produce a senator that is made by Senators and by no matter everything, Saraki has the capacity and capability to stabilise and hold the Senate together.
“Our resolve is that no matter any circumstance, we are committed to making Saraki the next Senate President.
“Eighty per cent of Senators from Ahmed Lawal’s North-East zone attended the meeting and endorsed Saraki”.
Apart from Saraki, other top contenders for the Senate top job include former Benue State Governor, Senator George Akume and Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts, Ahmed Lawan.