ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State says he has joined the race to become the next Senate president of Nigeria.
Governor Umahi made his intention known while speaking to his state executive council members, on Wednesday in Abakaliki.
He said that he is eminently qualified for the position, adding that he believes the position should be zoned to the South-East region.
“I appeal to the party’s national leadership, the president-elect, and his Vice -President-elect, to zone the Senate presidency to the South-East.
“They should also zone the House of Representatives speakership to the North West as these would calm frayed nerves,” Umahi said.
He added: “This will show Nigerians that we are on the path of total renewal of the country, which it direly needs presently.”
Umahi urged the senators to disregard the rule that allows only high-ranking members to contest the position of Senate president.
The Governor who won APC Ebonyi South Senatorial district elections in 2022, said he was presenting himself for the said position, believing he has significant experience in public service, amongst other experiences.
“I have been in public service for the past 16 years, and being a state governor is more complex.
“We have made Ebonyi totally an APC state, notching the three senatorial seats and four out of the six House of Representatives seats,” the Senator-elect explained.
“The South-East zone voted massively for the APC as I seek everyone’s prayers and support to achieve the goal. This is, however, subject to the decision of the party’s national leadership, and I will not go against such,” Umahi added.