David Umahi, the senator representing Ebonyi South senatorial district, has decided not to pursue his bid for the Senate presidency, News About Nigeria reports.
Instead, he has thrown his support behind Godswill Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and the former governor of Akwa Ibom state.
Umahi, who is currently serving as the governor of Ebonyi State and is a first-time senator, has also made it clear that he is not interested in the position of deputy Senate president.
According to Umahi, he had a meeting with the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, who advised him against contesting for the position in the Green Chamber.
He shared this information with journalists after meeting with Akpabio on Friday.
Umahi expressed, “My brother, Akpabio, came to seek my counsel. Yesterday, I had a meeting with the president-elect, and he personally asked me not to run for the position. I agreed to his appeal and willingly relinquished my position to support Senator Akpabio, whom I consider like a brother to me.
“Furthermore, I would like to highlight that Akpabio is my preferred candidate for this position, and I am voluntarily withdrawing my own candidacy for the deputy Senate presidency to demonstrate my full endorsement of him”. Umahi said.
Additionally, Ali Ndume, the senator representing Borno South, acknowledged that Akpabio is the preferred choice of the president.
“I am taking the lead in advocating for Akpabio’s candidacy because he has received the backing of the president. It is crucial that we prioritize the welfare of our nation and the party above any other factor” Ndume explained.
