Governors elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC) are reportedly preparing to press federal lawmakers from their states for concessions, following perceived disloyalty over recent amendments to the Electoral Act and other disputes.
Sources say the tension intensified after President Bola Tinubu hinted during an interfaith breaking of fast at the State House that he wishes to see the return of most APC federal lawmakers to the National Assembly, except in constituencies subject to rotational or zoning arrangements.
“I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return,” Tinubu said, praising the turnout and leadership of House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Abbas, in turn, sought the President’s backing for the return of members, highlighting that a high turnover in the National Assembly undermines legislative continuity and prolongs learning for incoming lawmakers.
However, the president’s statement reportedly caught governors off guard. The Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) is said to be meeting with Tinubu before his upcoming trip to the United Kingdom to discuss possible concessions. A source familiar with the development explained,
“It’s an unusual declaration that caught the governors unawares, and they are to meet him possibly before he leaves for the UK next week.”
Not all governors are unified in approach. Some, particularly those seeking a second term, are pushing to replace federal lawmakers with loyalists to secure influence in the 11th National Assembly. Sources indicate this political maneuvering gained momentum after the PGF endorsed Governor Hope Uzodimma for the position of Senate President, replacing Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In a notable case, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State is reportedly aiming to replace all three senators and at least seven of the nine House members from his state. The governor’s frustration stems from lawmakers’ refusal to support a proposed amendment to Section 182(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which would allow a governor who completed another’s term to seek a fresh term in office.
A federal lawmaker, speaking anonymously, said:
“It is an open secret that the Governor wants a third oath of office, which is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution. He invited six of us to discuss a joint memorandum, but we unanimously agreed it would be impossible without a court decision. We also warned him that former President Jonathan could benefit from such an amendment if it succeeds. Rather than understanding, he threatened that we would all lose our tickets to return to the National Assembly.”
The standoff underscores growing tensions between APC governors and federal lawmakers, reflecting a broader struggle over loyalty, influence, and control within the party ahead of upcoming elections.
