Saraki supporters reject Lawan, Akume as Senate leaders

Despite assurance from stakeholders, the current crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) is showing no sign of ending.

The situation is said to have worsened when Senators loyal to Senate President, Bukola Saraki, vowed to resist any moves by APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu, to impose Senators Ahmed Lawan and George Akume upon them as Senate leader and deputy, respectively.

The trouble in the party started when Saraki defied the APC leadership to contest for the Senate Presidency and emerge winner despite the fact that Ahmed Lawan had been chosen as the sole candidate.

According to Punch, Senators Ahmed Yerima and Danjuma Goje reportedly told journalists in Abuja that the APC’s plan for filling the remaining four Senate leadership positions was totally unacceptable.

The leadership positions yet to be filled are Senate Leader; Deputy Senate Leader; Senate Chief Whip; and Deputy Chief Whip.

“As far as I’m concerned, the party cannot impose leadership on us. It is unconstitutional and against the rules of the Senate,” Yerima said.

“The best thing the party can do, given the circumstances, is to give us directives. Any attempt to impose will be resisted and this will further divide the party,” he added.

Tinubu had earlier been accused of attempting to impose Lawan on the lawmakers but this was denied by Ondo State Senator, Ajayi Boroffice who said that the APC leader was being unfairly criticized.