10th NASS: Akpabio’s legislative capacity questioned as Nigerians request his withdrawal from race

Ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, a contender for the senate president seat, has been urged quit his ambition following questions about his legislative capacity.

The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy (CPD) on Wednesday, June 7, made this call via a statement issued in Abuja by its national coordinator, Dr Menike Johnson.

Dr Johnson revealed that the tradition of zoning and external endorsements is undemocratic, only promotes mediocrity and breeds a corrupt and rubber stamp parliamentary leadership that cannot serve the interest of the Nigerians.

As contained in the statement, he cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) against the imposition of a Senate President, noting that such will only worsen the division in the party and deny it the ability to maintain a healthy relationship with its lawmakers.

He said: “The Coalition for Parliamentary Democracy has been watching the contest for the Senate Presidency with keen interest."

Johnson lauded the senators-elect for supporting Senator Abdulaziz Yari, another contender in pole position for the coveted number one seat in the red chamber.

He further stated that the CPD had noted the trajectory and demonstrated the capacity and acceptability of the two major contestants in the race.

Johnson advised the APC against imposing a Senate President, cautioning that such could make it lose the position to the opposition parties, which have a good number of senators-elect that dissatisfied elements in the APC could boost to clinch the Senate leadership.

He said: “Such could lead to more division in the APC and create a frosty legislature/executive relationship which is not in the interest of the nation at this critical time of our national history.”