Governor Oyebanji Backs Akpabio For Senate Presidency, Says Ekiti Senators Solidly Behind Him

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate Presidency aspiration of Godswill Obot Akpabio has received a huge boost following the backing of Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji and Ekiti State Senators.

The Governor  said he has endorsed Akpabio for the position to succeed the incumbent Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stressing that Ekiti State is committed to a united and formidable 10th National Assembly and the decision by the All-Progressives Congress, APC, National Working Committee to zone the Senate President position to the South-South.

Oyebanji gave the assurance to Akpabio when he hosted him in Abuja, alongside some senators-elect. The meeting also had in attendance elected senators from Ekiti: Opeyemi Bamidele, Yemi Adaramodu and Cyril Fasuyi.

Speaking during the meeting, Oyebanji said Ekiti APC had keyed into NWC’s decision on the 10th Assembly leadership.

“in Ekiti State, we are committed to a united National Assembly and we are also committed to the decision of the National Working Committee of the APC with respect to the zoning and you can attest to the fact that all the senators are here with me just to have dinner with Akpabio.

“We are supporting his aspiration as directed by the national body of the party. We are in this together, we are not only supporting, we will identify with him publicly and that is what I have done.

“All Ekiti senators and the leaders, all the former governors – we are in the same boat. We respect the sanctity of the party and we appeal to all contenders to also follow the advice of the National Working Committee.

“It is only when we are united that we can ensure progressive development of the country. Senator Akpabio has been called to serve and he needs all support and we shall give him that,” Oyebanji was quoted as saying in a statement by his media aide, Yinka Oyebode.

There have been issues regarding the zoning of the Senate Presidency, in which the South East Senators have urged the President Elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look their way as they have been marginalized.