9th Senate: Ndume moves to challenge Lawan, declares intention to succeed Saraki

BY: Oliseama Okwuchukwu

A former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, on Monday, announced his intention to become President of the Senate of the ninth National Assembly.

Ndume of the All Progressives Congress (APC) represents Borno South.

He is the second aspirant from the North East geo-political zone to declare his interest after current Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan.

Ndume, in a letter of intent dated March 25, 2019 and addressed to the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, said the decision to seek election into the exalted office was borne out of his desire to help accelerate socio-economic development of the nation.

“Following the successful conduct of the 2019 general election and the overwhelming victory of our great party the APC at all levels, I hereby forward my letter of intent to contest for the office of the President of the Senate in the 9th National Assembly.

“I wish to emphasise that my decision to contest for the Senate Presidency is informed by my conviction to contribute my quota to nation building,” the letter stated.

Ndume, who served as minority leader in the sixth House of Representatives and majority leader in the 8th Senate, assured of his capacity to deliver on party policies and programmes.

He said: “My vast legislative experience and my deep desire to take Nigeria to the next level of development are reasons for contesting”.