Senator Gaya speaks on Deputy Senate Presidency race ahead of NASS election

Sen. Kabiru Gaya (APC-Kano), says he is still in the race for the Deputy President of the Senate.

Gaya, who made this known while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, said though the All Progressives Congress (APC) had not made its position known on who to endorse for the position, he was optimistic to be chosen by the party.

On concern that he might not get the party’s endorsement because he is from same region with the number one citizen, President Muhammadu Buhari, Gaya said it was not a cause for concern.

According to him, there is no fear of lopsidedness or marginalisation of other regions because the party has zoned Speakership of the House of Representatives to the South West.

He said he was not against lawmakers from the South being prominently represented in the senate.

He, however, stressed that he worked tirelessly during the general elections to ensure that APC won in almost all local government areas under his constituency and should be considered.

“The party has not zoned the position yet but I think it should look inward”, NAN quoted him as saying.

“On the fear of lopsidedness, we have senate president zoned to the North and speaker to the south, so I think deputy president of the senate coming from North West is fair enough.

“I am not denying anybody from the South from being in our team but for the position of Deputy Senate President, I think it should be given to South West.

“Besides in the National Assembly we do not talk region, party or religion. We are senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that is what matters,” he said.

The lawmaker also declared support for Sen. Ahmad Lawan’s Senate Presidency bid, saying they would make a good team.

He further said, “In terms of experience, I think I am well placed to take the position, being a ranking senator and former governor among other advantages that I have.

Gaya, however, said he was fine with any decision the party came up with, adding that he would take it in good fate should the party not endorse him.

“If the party does not zone the deputy senate president to North West I will be fine with it but I want the party to do justice ahead of 2030,” he said.

Gaya is one of the five senators-elect, who have indicated interest in running for the position of the Deputy President of the Senate on June 11 when the 9th National Assembly will be inaugurated.

Others were Sen. Ovie Omo Agege (APC-Delta), Sen. Orji Uzo Kalu (APC-Abia), Sen. Francis Alimikhena (APC-Edo) and Sen. Ajayi Boroffice (APC-Ondo).