Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Tuesday rejected Sokoto lawmaker and former governor, Aminu Tambuwal, to appoint Simon Mwadkwon representing Plateau North as minority leader of the 10th Senate.

Mr Akpabio read the letter during the plenary session after Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, APC, Abia North moved a motion for the adoption of votes and proceedings of 14th June and seconded by Senator Ezenwa, Imo East.

Mr Tambuwal, who is also a former speaker of the House of Representatives, saw his aspiration collapse as opposition heightened against him in the days leading to the announcement with members of his party declaring support for other aspirants. He had lobbied for the seat and hoped that his stings of support for the APC at times past earned him the clout needed to negotiate the position but clearly, the APC has no such consideration.

Mr Akpabio said the minority caucus of the Senate consisted of about seven political parties who already came up with a list of names for their leadership, apparently exonerating himself of influence-peddling in assigning the positions.

“The minority caucus of the senate is made up of about seven political parties and have come up with their leadership, so I will proceed to announce [the names],” he said.