Wike, Tambuwal lose out as senate president Akpabio names minority leaders

Senator Simon Mwadkon, on Tuesday, July 4, emerged as the Senate minority leader, after defeating Senator Aminu Tambuwal despite spirited attempts to outsmart his political rival, Nyesom Wike, former Rivers state governor.

Following Mwadkon's emergence, Wike and Tambuwal, who were good friends turned foes, were beaten at the game.

They have both lost out in the supremacy battle for the leadership of the minority caucus of the 10th Senate, Daily Trust reported.

While Wike, who held a series of meetings with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, pushed for a particular senator, Tambuwal made known his interest in the minority leadership position, Channels TV report added.

But on Tuesday, July 4, Akpabio announced other names as leaders of the minority caucus.

Simon Mwadkwon, senator representing Plateau North, defeated Tambuwal, representing Sokoto South, to become the minority leader of the upper legislative chamber, The Cable report confirmed.

Names of minority principal officers in 10th Assembly

1. Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon (PDP, Plateau) - Minority leader

2. Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun) - Deputy Minority leader

3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha (LP, Abia) - Minority Whip

4. Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano) - Deputy Minority Whip