Senator Godswill Akpabio, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State has been elected president of the 10th senate after defeating his sole challenger, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, the former Governor Zamfara State.

In the election held on Tuesday, Akpabio polled 63 votes to defeat Yari, who polled 46 votes.

The election which was conducted in an open secret ballot system saw the likes of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu throw his weight behind Akpabio.

Meanwhile, Jibrin Barau, the Senator representing Kano north senatorial district has been elected as the Deputy President of the Senate.

Senator Barau was elected unopposed.