Eng. Patrick C. Ndubueze, the newly elected Senator from Imo North Senatorial District, has declared his intention to run for the position of Senate President in the upcoming 10th Assembly inauguration. In a letter addressed to the APC National Working Committee and all 109 Senators-elect, Ndubueze sought their support to realize his vision of a Senate that can rise to meet the expectations of Nigerians across the country.
Ndubueze, a seasoned politician from Imo state, has been involved in politics since 1992 when he was first elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Okigwe Federal Constituency. He expressed gratitude to the APC leadership for their support in his emergence as the Senatorial candidate for the All Progressives Congress in Imo North Senatorial District.
In the letter, Ndubueze highlighted the importance of the Nigerian Senate as a symbol of national democratic progress and expressed his belief in his capacity to stand in the roles of leadership required at this time. "Having been persuaded of my track record as a ranking legislator, a politician of more than 35 years standing and a personal character that had stood the test of time for integrity and commitment to the people, I... do desire to offer myself to contest the office of the Senate President of the 10th National Assembly," he wrote.
He added that he has been on a consultation frenzy with critical stakeholders across the length and breadth of the country, receiving positive acclaim. The letter to the APC National Working Committee also included a request for appropriate counseling, advice, and networking to ensure that his "noble cause sees the light of the day."
However, Ndubueze is not the only aspirant for the position of Senate President. Other notable contenders include Senator Godswill Akpabio, reportedly backed by President-elect Bola Tinubu, Senators Orji Uzor Kalu, Sani Musa, and Abdulaziz Yari.
Ndubueze's declaration of intention has sparked mixed reactions among political analysts, with some commending his boldness and others questioning his chances of winning the Senate President position. Some believe that he has a good chance of clinching the position, given his long-standing experience in politics and his track record as a ranking legislator.
In a statement released to the press, Ndubueze reiterated his commitment to serving the people and advancing the Nigerian project. "Distinguished Senator, over the last 32 years, I have remained committed to the good cause of the Nigerian project. And had always been persuaded that our sovereign advancement inclusive of the desired progressions of millions of Nigerians is better enabled through the instrumentality of appropriately engineered legislations which are superintended by a knowledgeable and motivated political head of the National Assembly who is equipped for thoroughness, moderation and a vision-driven compassion."
Ndubueze's candidacy for Senate President has also elicited mixed reactions from his constituents in Imo North Senatorial District. While some have expressed support for his ambition, others have called on him to prioritize the development of the district and the state at large. As the race for the Senate President position heats up, Ndubueze will have to work hard to convince his fellow Senators-elect to support his vision for a better Nigeria.