Senator Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday emerged as the new President of the Senate and leader of the National Assembly, after a keenly contested race, and at the end of voting by the federal lawmakers.
Voting commenced after Senator Ali Ndume nominated Senator Akpabio, favoured by the ruling All Progressives Congress {APC} for Senate President, while Senator Elisha Abbo nominated former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdullaziz Yari for the same position.
Akpabio’s nomination was seconded by Senator Olamilekan Solomon Yayi from Ogun state.
Akpabio, who is the preferred candidate of the All Progressives Congress {APC}, was paired with the senator representing Kano South, Jibrin Barau, who also emerged as the Deputy Senate President.
The Clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambuwal declared Akpabio as the Senate President having garnered 63 votes, while Yari got 46 votes.
Yari paired with the Chief Whip of the ninth Senate, Orji Kalu, who ran for the Deputy Senate President.