The race for the Senate Presidency may have become tougher as two contenders, former governors, Godswill Akpabio and Abdulaziz Yari are at loggerheads over the number of lawmakers loyal to their camps.

Senators-elect will at the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on June 13, 2023, elect a new Senate President to pilot the affairs of the Senate for the next four years.

According to sources in the Yari’s camp, about 65 senators were already in their camp over the last-minute exit of lawmakers from the opposition’s camp.

The Deputy Director-General of Akpabio/ Barau Campaign Organisation, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Central, was quoted to have told the Media on Monday that the campaign is appealing to senators-elect to support Akpabio’s bid.

Some of the senators-elect hinted that they are having a rethink on Sen. Akpabio’s Senate Presidency over accusations that he was disrespectful to the institution of the legislature when he, as the Minister of Niger Delta, openly accused National Assembly members of hugely benefiting from large contracts in the NDDC without a proof.

senator-elect representing the New Nigeria People’s Party in Kano South, Suleiman Kawu stated that the Northern caucus led by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan was pulling their weight behind Senator Yari.

He said, “This 10th Assembly is different, the lawmakers will choose their leaders and the person, we are supporting as Senate President is Senator Yari”.

Another senator-elect who pleaded anonymity stated that he has withdrawn his support from the Akpabio’s camp because of an issue he once had with the lawmakers.

He said, “I have withdrawn support for Senator Akpabio. It’s not only me. Many of us have withdrawn our support and it will show on the floor.

Meanwhile, the Akpabio camp has said it was seriously mobilising Senators-elect across the three major parties: the All Progressives Congress, People’s Democratic Party and Labour Party.

In a Newspaper publication, the group listed the names of 71 senators who were on their team.

Among others, the 25 Pro-Akpabio Governors include the Governors of Kwara, Nasarawa, Benue, Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Ekiti, Osun, Kogi, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Kaduna, Borno, Ebonyi and Ondo States.