A group of 65 Senators, under the aegis of ‘Like-minded Senators’, who endorsed the candidacy of Bukola Saraki to become the Senate President in the forthcoming 8th National Assembly, on Wednesday, said their action was premised on the ability and expertise of the former Governor of Kwara State to take the Upper legislative chamber to the promise land.

The endorsement took place during a meeting held at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by many Senators mostly from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), including Sabo Nakudu, Mohammed Gobil, Ali Ndume, Danjuma Goje, Binta Garba, Andy Ubah, Sam Egwu, Shehu Sani‎, Governor Godswill Akpabio, Governor Aliyu Wammako,

The Convener of “Like-minded Senators” and Kogi West Senator-elect, Otunba Dino Melaye, who chaired the meeting, said Saraki has the experience to deliver in the Senate.

“The meeting was a mixture of PDP and APC Senators: 40 APC and 25 PDP Senators in attendance. We resolved that we have to produce a Senator that is made by Senators and by no matter everything, Saraki has the capacity and capability to stabilise and hold the Senate together. Our resolve is that no matter any circumstance, we are committed to making Saraki the next Senate President. 80 percent of Senators from Ahmed Lawal’s North East zone attended the meeting and endorsed Saraki,” he said.

The President-elect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), had denied media report that he had given his nod to the ambition of Senator Ahmed Lawan (Yobe, North East)‎ to be Senate President.

Others in the race, apart from Lawal include Senator George Akume (Benue) from the North Central.

The APC had earlier zoned the slot to the North Central before it cleared the air that a decision was yet to be taken, a decision which fuelled series of political intrigues and speculations.

•Photo shows Saraki