APC Endorses Omo-Agege For Deputy Senate President, Confirms Zoning Of Office To S’south

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has confirmed the zoning of the office of Deputy Senate President to the South-South zone, announcing Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, representing Delta Central senatorial district as its preferred candidate for the position.

With the development, Senator-elect, Orji Uzor Kalu from South-East and Senator Kabiru Gaya, representing Kano South Senatorial District from North-West who had indicated interest for the position have been shut out of the race.

This is coming barely few weeks after President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and most APC governors had endorsed the Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan as 9th Senate President after due consultations.

BIGPEN Online had reported in March that Omo-Agege is the favorite of the presidency and APC NWC following the zoning of the position to the South South geopolitical zone of the country.

Senators Francis Alimikhena from Edo State and Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta State are the only two ranking senators from the South-South zone that are jostling to contest for the office of the Deputy Senate Presidency.

The choice of Omo-Agege by the party was contained in a statement released by APC Vice-Chairman (South-South), Ntufam Hilliard Eta, and the Zonal Secretary, David Okumgba on Saturday.

The statement reads in part: “The leadership of the South-South Zone is fully in support of Mr. President (Muhammadu Buhari).

“Our zone has been given the opportunity by our great Party to produce the Deputy Senate President for the Ninth National Assembly and we are thankful.

“It is important to state that our two illustrious sons, Distinguished Senators Francis Alimikhena from Edo State and Ovie Omo-Agege from Delta State had indicated interest to contest the office of the Deputy Senate President.

“Both of them are eminently qualified for that office as both are ranking Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“However, considering the current zoning of political offices in our zone whereby Edo State produced the current National Chairman of our great Party (Adams Oshiomhole), and other considerations, it became imperative that our zone supports the candidature of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege for the office of the Deputy Senate President.”

The statement hailed the party for zoning the position to the South-South and commended Oshiomhole for his sound administrative experience in piloting the affairs of the party.

“The Zonal Working Committee acting on behalf of the Zonal Executive Committee, Elders and Leaders of the South-South geopolitical zone of our great Party, the APC wishes to state categorically that we align ourselves with the decision of the national leadership of our great Party in respect of the zoning of the Principal offices of the 9th National Assembly.

“We commend our respected leader, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR for his sterling leadership of the affairs of our great country and our illustrious son, His Excellency, Comrade Adams.

“The South-South geopolitical zone had demonstrated uncommon faith, courage, and vigour in the just concluded general elections by voting massively for candidates of our great Party at all levels.

“We implore all Distinguished Senators to please stand by us and support Senator Ovie Omo Agege for the position of Deputy Senate President.”