Senate President Godswill Akpabio has quietly reassigned chairmen and vice-chairmen in three major Senate committees. It’s a minor move with potentially major implications for political alliances in the Red Chamber.
- Victor Umeh removed as chairman of INEC committee, replaced by Sharafadeen Alli
- Umeh reassigned as chairman of the diaspora committee
- Kaka Shehu Lawan now chairs the agriculture committee, replacing Saliu Mustapha
- Mustapha now leads the committee on tourism
- No explanation was given, but reshuffles often reflect shifting loyalties or strategy
While this reshuffle may seem routine, in politics, even small seat swaps can signal deeper manoeuvring. Committee leadership is prized; it comes with influence, budget oversight, and the power to shape national conversations. Umeh’s removal from the sensitive INEC committee could hint at trust issues or political recalibration within the Senate. Akpabio is likely reinforcing his grip quietly, moving pieces without setting off alarms.
It’s not always the loud battles that change the game — sometimes, it’s the quiet swaps. Could this be Akpabio’s way of tightening control before bigger decisions drop?
