The recent announcement of the National Assembly leadership zoning arrangement by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has ignited a firestorm of discontent and disagreement among lawmakers from different geopolitical zones.
Lawmakers from various geopolitical zones are raising their voices, expressing their objection to what they perceive as an unfair and biased allocation of power, News About Nigeria reports.
The APC’s decision, which allegedly favors a particular zone while disregarding others, has sparked a wave of dissatisfaction among party members and politicians alike.
Lawmakers argue that the zoning arrangement lacks transparency, fairness, and consultation, undermining the principles of democracy and equality.
Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, a vocal critic of the zoning formula, condemned the move as an insidious permutation that could lead to deprivation and erode trust.
He emphasized the importance of inclusivity and fairness, calling on the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) to reevaluate their decision and ensure that the party’s actions align with the principles of equality and justice.
Lawmakers-elect from the North-Central geopolitical zone have also joined the chorus of opposition. They contend that their region has been unjustly excluded from key leadership positions, pointing out that they contributed significantly to the APC’s success in the recent elections.
In an open letter to the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu, 18 lawmakers-elect expressed their discontent and demanded fairness, equity, and justice in the distribution of positions.
Warnings and opposition are also emerging from other regions. Senator Suleiman Kawu, representing Kano South Senatorial District, cautioned the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to be wary of sycophants who might mislead him into making ill-advised decisions regarding the National Assembly leadership.
He revealed that a considerable number of lawmakers were already planning to oppose the APC’s zoning arrangements, emphasizing the importance of persuasion and consultation in the realm of politics.
Meanwhile, the South-East lawmakers expressed their concerns over the choice of a consensus candidate, stating that wider consultations should have been conducted within their caucus before making such a decision. They argued that the marginalization experienced by the South-East under the current administration had led to voter apathy, urging the President-elect to address their grievances by initiating a fresh start that rectifies the long-standing issues faced by the Igbo people. They insisted that the position of Deputy Speaker alone would not adequately address their concerns.
Amidst the growing opposition, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) called for a democratic process to allow lawmakers-elect to emerge as principal officers. The CNG expressed concerns about the imposition of candidates and its potential negative impact on democracy and fairness. They emphasized the need for transparency and merit-based selections that uphold the principles of inclusivity.
Within the ruling APC, dissenting voices are becoming more prominent. Some lawmakers are opposing the candidates imposed by the party for the National Assembly leadership positions, creating divisions and straining the unity of the party. The unfolding events highlight the challenges faced by the APC in maintaining cohesion as various factions express their objections to the controversial decision.
As the opposition grows and discontent spreads, the APC faces a critical test of its ability to address the concerns of its members and uphold the principles of fairness and democracy. The outcome of these challenges will undoubtedly shape the future of the party and the National Assembly as lawmakers continue to challenge the APC’s zoning formula and fight for a more inclusive and equitable political landscape.
