Senate: ACN Back Akume For Minority Leader Seat

SAN FRANCISCO, June 07, (THEWILL) – Former Benue State Governor and Senator, Senator George Akume (ACN, Benue) has received the backing of the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to occupy the Minority Leader seat of the Senate, THEWILL can report.

The decision to enthrone Akume as leader of the ACN in the Senate was taken at a meeting on Monday night in Abuja with ACN National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, party leader Bola Tinubu and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Bisi Akande in attendance, a single source told THEWILL early Tuesday morning. The meeting was held at the Lagos State Lodge.

THEWILL gathered that the choice of Akume, who joined the party from the PDP about 6 months ago over ranking Senator Ganiyu Solomon was strategic as it would help the ACN gain inroads into Benue State and subsequently the entire north.

Though there are reports of opposition from some ACN federal legislators to the choice of Akume, THEWILL understands that the decision is final as the party leaders have already set their sights on the 2015 general elections, where the ACN intends to campaign vigourously for seats in the North, South South and South East.

Another source confirmed the choice of Akume but said, 'Ganiyu Solomon may emerge if Tunibu caves into pressure.'