The All Progressives Congress (APC) has reportedly brokered a deal to quell the tensions arising from the race for majority principal offices in the National Assembly.

According to POLITICS NIGERIA, a template has been agreed upon to accommodate the heavyweight contenders vying for positions.

The party is expected to communicate the decision to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in the coming days.

According to sources, all aspirants for the principal offices were found to be qualified, leading the party to craft a “win-win template” last night, per the Nation Newspaper.

In the Senate, the power-sharing formula will see Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti Central (Southwest) take on the role of Senate Leader, with Senator Dave Umahi from Ebonyi South (Southeast) as the Deputy Senate Leader. Senator Ali Ndume from Borno South (Northeast) will assume the position of Chief Whip, while Senator Lola Ashiru from Kwara South (Northcentral) will serve as Deputy Chief Whip.

The party hopes that this formula will promote stability within the Senate, and it is expected that the senators will embrace the decision willingly. The APC leadership emphasised that it does not intend to impose leaders on the Senate but is determined to prevent senators from becoming divided over manageable issues.

Similar peace-building efforts were also undertaken in the House of Representatives. A consensus was reached, identifying Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (Owan Constituency, Edo State, Southsouth) as the Majority Leader, Dauda Kumo (Akko Constituency, Gombe State, Northeast) as the Chief Whip, and Woman Rep Adewunmi Onanuga (Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo Constituency, Ogun State, Southwest) as Deputy Chief Whip.

The position of Deputy Leader in the House was being finalised as of last night.

A member of the National Working Committee (NWC) confirmed the breakthrough, hinting that the APC leadership would soon dispatch letters to the leadership of both chambers. The delay was attributed to the National Chairman of the party, Sen. Abdullahi Adamu’s trip to Nasarawa State for a medical check-up.