The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have picked Senator Ali Ndume for senate president and Hon. Umar Bago as Speaker of the 9th National Assembly.
The PDP arrived at the decision after consulting with stakeholders ahead of the inauguration of the 9th Assembly taking place today, 11th June.
The PDP stakeholders who met at the Bayelsa Governor’s lodge in Maitama include the PDP Governors’ Forum and National Assembly members-elect.
Another closed-door meeting was held by the stakeholders, the National Working Committee and the party’s Board of Trustees.
The meeting took place at the Apo legislative quarters where deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu resides.
The conclusion of the series of meetings led to the PDP deciding on backing Ndume as Senate President candidate while Bago emerged as its candidate for Speakership. Both men are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The PDP National Secretary, Senator Umar Ibrahim Tsauri, stated that the decision is for the best interest of the party and for better democracy.
“This decision is in the best interest of the nation, in line with our party’s determination to deepen democracy, ensure a strong and independent legislature, strict compliance with the principle of separation of powers as well as constitutional checks and balances in the polity.
“All senators and members-elect on the platform of the PDP are to be guided accordingly,” the party said.
