ABUJA, Nigeria – As Nigeria prepares for Tuesday’s inauguration of the 10th National Assembly and the consequential election of presiding officers, uncertainty clouds the camp of Senator Godswill Akpabio, President Bola Tinubu’s favored candidate for the position of the President of the Senate.
This tension arises amidst allegations that Senate votes could be traded for between $5,000 and $10,000—or possibly more—on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
An insider, who is a member of the Stability Group campaigning for the Akpabio-Barau Jibrin ticket, expressed concern about some senators-elect playing both sides of the aisle.
These individuals are allegedly accepting money from both contending camps while pledging support to each.
The source, who spoke with the a local newspaper under the condition of anonymity, disclosed that some senators-elect who claimed to support the Stability Group are also attending clandestine meetings with Akpabio’s main rival, Senator-elect Abdul Aziz Yari of Zamfara West.
“I don’t know what is happening on the other side, but I am aware that some people who claim to be with us have also signed for Yari. I am saddened that senators are selling signatures for between $5,000 and $10,000. They are not asking Yari what he has to offer; they are only interested in his money,” the lawmaker revealed, his tone reflecting a sense of betrayal.
Despite the troubling revelations, the source affirmed that the Stability Group would continue its efforts to secure more senators’ support for the Akpabio-Jibrin ticket.
The impending election has highlighted deep-seated issues in Nigerian politics, including allegations of monetary influence on political loyalty.
As Tuesday’s vote draws nearer, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving the future of Nigeria’s legislative leadership hanging in the balance.
