Akpabio who is representing the Akwa Ibom Northwest district, was named by the Senate President, alongside Emmanuel Bwacha (Deputy Minority Leader); Philip Aduda (Minority Whip) and former Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi (Deputy Minority Whip) as occupants of the principal offices reserved for the minority Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Red Chamber.
Announcing the officers, Saraki said the four principal officers’ introduction followed their nomination, endorsement and presentation to the Senate leadership by the PDP Caucus.
Senator Kabiru Marafa (Zamfara Central) faulted the announcement of Senator Akpabio as the Minority Leader stating that the selection violated Senate Standing Rule which stipulates that nomination for principal officers’ position should be based on ranking.
Marafa's moved for the reversal of the nomination and subsequent appointment, was Shot down as Saraki mandated Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to respond to Marafa’s opposition.
Ekweremadu explained that PDP did nothing wrong in nominating Akpabio, noting that it was not Marafa’s business who PDP Senators chose to pick as their leaders.
He added that the composition of the members of the leadership of opposition in the Senate is entirely the business of PDP Senators.
Saraki said that Marafa was “crying more than the bereaved and therefore ruled him out of order.
Insisting that relevant Senate rules were complied with in the nomination, Ekweremadu urged the upper legislative chamber to uphold it.
Based on the Ekweremadu’s submission, Saraki upheld Akpabio’s nomination and the other three officers.
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