Umahi Dumps Senate Presidency Ambition, Backs Akpabio

 

By Nurat Uthman

The senator representing Ebonyi South senatorial district, David Umahi, has dropped his Senate presidency bid. He, however, endorsed Godswill Akpabio, a former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and governor of Akwa Ibom state.

Umahi, the outgoing governor of Ebonyi State and first-time senator,  also disclosed that he wasn’t considering the position of deputy Senate president.

Umahi stated that he had met with the president-elect, Bola Tinubu, who asked him not to contest the position in the Green Chamber.

He explained this to journalists after meeting with Akpabio on Friday.

He said, “My brother (Akpabio) came to consult with me. Yesterday, I saw the president-elect on his invitation and he told me that he is already committed, and that please ‘don’t run’ I accepted and stepped down for my brother, Senator Akpabio.

“He is my consensus candidate. I also step down for him as the deputy Senate president.”

Also, Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno South, said Akpabio is the president’s preferred choice but was unclear on which president he was referring to.

“As you can see, I am leading the campaign for Akpabio because he is the president’s preferred candidate and we have to put the interest of the country, the party, above any other interest,” Ndume said.