June 13, (THEWILL) – Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and lawmaker representing Akwa Ibom North-West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Godswill Akpabio, has been elected new President of the 10th Senate.
Akpabio, a former two-term governor of Akwa Ibom, emerged as President of the 10th Senate after he defeated former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara-West APC), during a secret ballot election that was conducted before the swearing-in of 109 Senators-elect in the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
Even though both are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Yari went against the party’s decision to back Akpabio for the position.
Yari was nominated for Senate President by Senator Ishaku Abbo (APC-Adamawa) while Senator Ali Ndume nominated Godswill Akpabio and his nomination was supported by Solomon Olamilekan (APC-Ogun).
After all Senators present voted, the Clerk of the Senate declared Akpabio winner of the election.
Akpabio polled 63 votes to beat Yari, who finished with 45 votes. There was, however, one Senator-elect who abstained.
