In a recent press conference in Kaduna, the North-West Progressives Forum, a prominent northern political pressure group, endorsed Abdulaziz Yari, former Governor of Zamfara State, as their choice for the Senate President of the 10th Senate.
The group also advised President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to be cautious of political maneuvering from politicians in other geopolitical zones in regard to the Senate presidency seat.
Nasir Dambatta, the Convener of the North-West Progressives Forum, stated that the North-West zone, which provided the All Progressives Congress (APC) with the highest votes in the previous presidential election, deserved the Senate President’s position. Dambatta emphasized that it would only be just and equitable to allocate the Senate Presidency of the 10th Senate to the North-West, a region that contributed more than 30% of votes to the President-elect’s victory.
The group’s Convener further expressed confidence that Abdulaziz Yari, former Zamfara State Governor and ex-chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, is the most suitable candidate for the role of Senate President. Dambatta cited Yari’s proven integrity, honesty, and experience as essential qualities for the position.
Dambatta acknowledged the various political strategies employed by regional actors to position their respective zones for advantageous outcomes. However, he stressed that official election results clearly indicated that the North-West region was the major contributor to Tinubu’s success, making it the natural and legitimate claimant for the Senate’s third-highest seat.
The North-West Progressives Forum urged the APC and President-elect Tinubu to act justly and fairly by allocating the Senate President’s position to the region that gave Tinubu more than 30% of his winning votes. Dambatta reiterated that fairness, justice, and decency dictate that the North-West, rather than any other zone, should be rewarded for its unwavering commitment to the APC and Asiwaju ideals, as demonstrated at the polls. The group firmly believes that Abdulaziz Yari is the most competent candidate for the Senate presidency if the position is eventually micro-zoned to the North-West.
