The move which had been at its teething stage before now was said to have been emboldened by the party’s loss in Zamfara State and the recent validation of the victory of Senator Peter Nwoboshi. 

The twin developments which increased the number of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, lawmakers in both houses of the National Assembly, NASS,  were said to have provided the numeric strength required to carry out the plan. 

Accordingly, the number of PDP Senators increased to 51, while its members in the House of Representatives increased to 129 from 121. 

Notwithstanding, Saturday Vanguard learned that the primary reason behind the move against the preferred choices, Sen Ahamed Lawan, and Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila was borne out of the desire for a NASS that would be free from interference by the executive. 

Multiple sources, who revealed these, said some of the APC lawmakers in both houses have commenced demarketing the party’s preferred choices on the suspicions that they would end up as stooges. A ranking Senator, who pleaded anonymity, noted that his camp has resolved for a competitive contest to allow members to elect the presiding officers of their choice. 

Another source said Senators are reaching out to members of the House of Representatives from their states, asking them to work with a different candidate for the position of Speaker.

His words: “Although, our major concern is the independence of the National Assembly,  we are being made to understand that if imposition is allowed, our party could become the biggest loser.