The All Progressives Congress, APC, caucus in the Senate have removed Ali Ndume as its leader.

A letter to this effect was read out during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Bukola Saraki as the lawmakers’ resume sitting following the Christmas and New Year recess.

According to the letter, the caucus has elected Ahmed Lawan to replace Ndume.

The development sets ground for effective removal of Ndume as Senate Leader.

Ndume, however, told journalists after the Senate’s plenary that the decision of the caucus to remove him as leader came to him as a shock.

He said he had no idea what led to the decision and was not aware of, nor attended the meeting at which the decision was reached.

Analysts say that Ndume’s waterloo might be in connection with the Senate’s indictment of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal, as well as the non-approval of Ibrahim Magu as the substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Recall that Ndume told journalists some days later that the Senate did not indict Lawal nor did they reject Magu.

His comments prompted the Senate spokesman, Aliyu Sabi to issue a press statement reiterating the initial position of the lawmakers.

Reports say the Senate President, Bukola Saraki may announce Ndume’s removal during the next legislative sitting.