Ranking senators Godswill Akpabio and Orji Uzor Kalu are also leading contenders, as Tinubu’s strategists plot to favour President-elect’s favourite.

It said it has a healthy relationship with the US and Tinubu’s name “has never featured in the exchanges we had.”

He said he’s confident of victory in November after getting the president’s blessing to run.

The screening exercise, which is in its 4th phase, commenced in April and will hold once every month.

“They were already telling their foreign backers that they would defeat the APC. Our Party blended confidence with caution, we worked hard and won.”

While Ahanotu said that the Labour Party was under attack from the Apapa- led faction, Akingbade claimed that there were no conflicts, merely misunderstandings.

They will live in the official house in order to work on state matters ahead of May 29.

He expressed delight at the party’s prospects for success in the November 2023 election.

She had asked for a judicial review of INEC’s decision to withdraw the state REC’s previous declaration which erroneously said she won the election.

He said regular meetings among membernations is the panacea for peace and security in the region.

There are also other interests also pushing north central for the speakership.

Owuru based his suit on the fact that he was the rightful winner of the 2019 elections, and so, President Buhari could not hand over to Tinubu as he (Owuru) had not served his term in office.

He faces a smooth path to winning his party’s nomination, with no serious Democratic rivals but he’s set to face a hard-fought struggle to retain the presidency in a bitterly divided nation.

He said he’s never discriminated against anyone on religion basis.

He will confront challenges of zoning of parliament leadership, formation of cabinet, petrol subsidy, social cohesion, healing process and tribunal cases.

Meanwhile current senate president Lawan’s silence over his rumoured ambition to retain his seat is unsettling aspirants.

He assured that May 29 handover date remains sacrosanct.

The council will announce nominees after Eid-el-Fitri.

The President directed the immediate investigation of Barr. Hudu Yunusa Ari, and his prosecution by the Inspector General of Police, if found liable of the charges against him.

He urged his supporters to remain peaceful and to pray for a better Nigeria.