In the wake of a fierce battle for the minority leader position in the Senate, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal remains undeterred as he continues to assert his bid for the coveted role, News About Nigeria reports.
Despite facing opposition from key figures within his own party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tambuwal’s determination to secure the minority leadership position remains resolute.
The crisis that marred the PDP’s loss in the previous presidential election appears to be a contributing factor in the ongoing struggle. Before the 2023 general elections, Tambuwal was being positioned as a potential candidate for the Senate presidency.
However, with the party’s defeat in the election, stakeholders, including the PDP hierarchy, are now rallying behind Tambuwal’s bid for the minority leadership.
Nevertheless, the path to Tambuwal’s desired position is far from smooth. The camp of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, once a staunch ally of Tambuwal, is now working closely with the Senate leadership to counter his efforts.
Wike, who recently held a meeting with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, aims to influence the selection of his associates for the minority leadership positions in the Red Chamber.
It is important to note that some PDP lawmakers who oppose Tambuwal’s bid have vowed to resist his emergence, drawing parallels to the alleged imposition of Akpabio as Senate president.
These lawmakers argue that the party’s hierarchy should be the deciding factor and emphasize the need for a minority leader who truly represents the interests of the people.
The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, has voiced its determination to resist any attempt by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or external forces to impose a minority leader on the Senate.
Ologunagba assured Nigerians that the party, in consultation with its senators, would install a minority leadership that upholds the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.
Meanwhile, sources close to Tambuwal maintain that his aspirations remain steadfast, despite opposition from within the party. They attribute the resistance from figures like Wike to personal animosity and a sense of betrayal, stemming from Tambuwal’s decision to step down from contesting the PDP presidential ticket in favor of Atiku Abubakar during the primary last year.
Tambuwal’s supporters emphasize his track record as a bridge builder and assert that, if he secures the minority leader position, he will ensure inclusivity and foster a robust opposition within the Senate. They argue that the party must reconcile its internal divisions and prioritize providing a vibrant opposition, given the challenges facing the nation.
