Senate Presidency: How el-Rufai Compelled Goje To Step Down For Lawan

Samuel Oyejola, Abuja

Feelers from the presidency indicated that Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nadir el-Rufai broker peace between two major contenders for position of Senate President ahead of June 11 inauguration of 9th Senate.

After several hours of closed meeting with El-Rufai, the key contender for the Senate Presidency, Senator Danjuma Goje dropped his ambition in the interest of APC.

Senator Goje in a chat with newsmen explained why he backed out of the race after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday.

Goje, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, announced his withdrawal from the race after meeting with Buhari together with Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, the preferred candidate of the APC.

At the end of the meeting that lasted for an hour, Goje said he backed out of the race out of respect for the president.

He said even though his chances to clinch the seat are bright, he has no option than to withdraw following the president’s intervention.

Also in attendance were the presidential adviser on National Assembly (Senate), Senator Ita Enang and Senator-elect for Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Uba Sani.