Former Governor Nyesom Wike and ex-Governor Aminu Tambuwal, who were once allies but turned into rivals, have both been unsuccessful in their bid to lead the minority caucus of the senate.

Wike had engaged in a series of meetings with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, advocating for a specific senator for the minority leadership position. On the other hand, Tambuwal had openly expressed his interest in the same position.

However, on Tuesday, Akpabio announced the new leaders of the minority caucus:

• Senator Simon Davou Mwadkwon (PDP, Plateau) as the Minority Leader.
• Senator Oyewumi Olalere (PDP, Osun) as the Deputy Minority Leader.
• Senator Darlington Nwokocha (LP, Abia) as the Minority Whip.
• Rufai Hanga (NNPP, Kano) as the Deputy Minority Whip.

With this announcement, Wike and Tambuwal have both missed out on securing the leadership positions they sought within the minority caucus. The selection of the new leaders signals a shift in dynamics and sets the stage for the minority caucus’s direction in the senate.