As the race for the top leadership positions in the upcoming tenth National Assembly heats up, IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI examines whether history will repeat itself and the impact of zonal considerations on the legislative top positions. The author notes that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is expected to produce the major leadership for both chambers since it has garnered a clear majority of 219 seats out of 469 seats thus far. The constitution is silent on the role of the party and the executive branch in the matter, and calls have been made to zone the positions in such a way that it reflects the national character and religious and ethnic diversity of the country. However, some argue that competence, experience, and capacity should be prioritized above religious and ethnic tendencies when considering candidates for the top leadership positions. The author concludes by stating that the composition and performance of the legislature will always shape and determine the success or failure of the executive arm of the government.
