The ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has finally announced its selection of Deputy Senate President and Deputy Speaker candidates.
The party accepted as Deputy Speaker Delta Central Senator, Ovie Omo-Age, and Idris Wase, representing Wase Federal Constituency.
In a declaration signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the decision was conveyed to reporters.
“APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) conducted emergency sessions on Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2019.
“The party officially adopts Senator Ovie Omo-Age for Deputy Senate President and Hon positions. As Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Idris Wase. This is the sequel to broad consultations with President Muhammadu Buhari, party stakeholders, including governors of the APC,” reads the declaration.
Mr Omo-Agege will now run alongside Ahmed Lawan, who is the favored candidate for Senate President of the party, with this recent development.
Mr Omo-Agege is thought to have caused last year’s armed invasion of the National Assembly leading to the theft of the Senate mace. Despite denying the allegation, a National Assembly committee that investigated the incident discovered him guilty. Independent checks also showed that Mr Omo-Age led the thugs to the Senate chamber.
Although the mace was retrieved, no one was charged or sentenced for the crime.
The candidate for the APC Speakership, Femi Gbajabiamila, has run his campaign with Mr Wase at the House of Representatives. The connection is formalized now.
The group encouraged others to put aside their aspirations and promote their stance.
“All elected Senate and House of Representatives representatives of the APC are hereby guided to mobilize completely as a united force behind the decision of the party.
“Members who have previously expressed interest in these roles are encouraged to support the decision of the party as loyal and dedicated APC members by working with other members to guarantee that the accepted applicants emerge.”
The election of the presiding officers of the Ninth National Assembly will take place on Tuesday.
