Senate Presidency: I Was Betrayed - Yari

Abdulaziz Yari, senator representing Zamfara west, has voiced his feelings of betrayal after the Senate President election, expressing disappointment over the outcome.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) had initially endorsed Godswill Akpabio, a senator from Akwa Ibom, as its preferred candidate for the position.

During the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday, Akpabio emerged victorious, securing 63 votes. However, Yari obtained 46 votes, falling short of his expectations.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the senator shared his sentiments about the unexpected turn of events.

Yari revealed that in the early hours of Tuesday, prior to the election, he believed that a considerable number of 76 senators were in his favor.

The senator and his supporters had taken into account the possibility of a minor fallout, estimating a potential decrease of around 15 votes. Even with this setback, they believed they would still command a comfortable majority with 61 votes.

“I can say there was a betrayal because as we were taking stock at 3:00 am on Tuesday before the election, we took stock of over 76 people,” he said.

“We took into cognisance that there could be a fall-out of about 15 and we had agreed that if that happens, we would comfortably still have about 61 people.

“What we got was the reverse and yes, I felt betrayed over that outcome.”

Despite the apparent setback, Yari affirmed his commitment to working alongside the newly elected Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

He assured the public that their collaboration would be centered on protecting and upholding the sanctity of the institution they both represent.

“I gave the senate president the assurance that we are going to work together as a team to protect the institution that we have,” he said.

“Life is a cycle and as a Muslim, God has decided who will be the president of the senate for the 10th assembly and I have no reason not to accept what God has decided.”