The APC has 57 Senators, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has 29; Labour Party (LP) has six seats; the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has two; Social Democratic Party (SDP) has two; while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the Young Progressives Party (YPP) have one senator each.
In the House of Representatives, the APC has 162 members-elect, the PDP has 102 seats; LP has 34 seats; NNPP has 18 seats; APGA has four seats while the SDP and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have two seats each.
Aspirants for the position of the 10th Senate presidency include the current Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan (North-east); Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East); Orji Uzor Kalu (South-east); Jibrin Barau (North-west); Godswill Akpabio (South-south); Ali Ndume (North-east); Abdul- Aziz Yari (North-west); Adams Oshiomhole (South-south); David Umahi (South-east) and Osita Izunaso (South-east).
At least, nine federal lawmakers had joined the race for the position of the Speaker, House of Representatives. They are Aliyu Betara (North-east); Aminu Sani Jaji (North-west); Idris Wase (North-central); Benjamin Kalu (South-east); Ado Doguwa (North-west); Yusuf Gagdi (North-central); Princess Mariam Onuoha (South-east); Makki Abubakar Yalleman (North-west); and Abdulraheem Olawuyi (North-central).
THISDAY gathered that the northern aspirants in both chambers are opposed to the planned zoning of these leadership positions by the party.
Indications that the aspirants from the north might not honour the zoning arrangements being planned by the APC leadership emerged during the week with new entrants into the race.
For instance, Senator Ndume and Barau, who are eyeing the Senate presidency, as well as Betara and Wase, who want to become the Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, have said they would contest with or without the zoning arrangement.
