In a recent visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, Tajudeen Abbas, the party’s preferred candidate for the speaker of the House Of Representatives, received a firm reminder from the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Adamu clarified that Abbas is currently an aspirant for the speakership position and not the speaker, as some have misrepresented.
Adamu emphasised that several aspirants for the speakership have approached him and the National Working Committee (NWC) seeking support.
He clarified the procedure for assuming the speakership, highlighting that Abbas would officially become the speaker on the day of the proclamation by the President-elect and Commander-in-Chief of the 10th National Assembly.
Adamu mentioned that an election, overseen by the Clerk to the National Assembly, would determine the speaker’s appointment.
While expressing his appreciation for Abbas’s visit, Adamu emphasised the importance of ongoing consultations and discussions to ensure a satisfactory resolution for the National Assembly leadership positions.
He acknowledged the presence of other aspirants for the Senate President and speakership positions and wished them the best of luck.
Adamu said, “I want to make one correction so that we will not be misrepresented. A number of you have referred to Hon. Abbas as the speaker. Please, he is one of the aspirants. He will become a speaker on the day of proclamation.
“The laws guiding that office are very clear, he will earn that on the day of proclamation by the president and commander in chief of the 10th National Assembly.
“The Clerk to the National Assembly will conduct an election. There is no option other than the election.
“When he comes out of that election and they raise his hand and when he is sworn in by the speaker, that nomenclature becomes most appropriate. Wait. Continue doing your good work,” he said.
“After reporting to the National Working Committee, the discussions we had with the President-elect and leaders like the Vice President-elect, the Senate President, the speaker; my humble self, the National Chairman of the Party, my deputy north, deputy south and the National Secretary of the party, I reported our deliberations.
“It was clear in our declaration that there is a need for further and better consultations so that we can talk as much as we can to massage political egos so that we end up with what we want with National Assembly leadership in both Chambers.
“We have received all the other aspirants for the president of the Senate and the speakership of the House of Representatives. I on behalf of my colleagues wish you the best of luck,” Adamu said.
Abbas, in his remarks, commended Adamu for his influential role in securing the party’s victory and the emergence of the President-elect.
He pledged his commitment to protecting the interests of the party, the government, and the Nigerian populace. Abbas urged Adamu and the NWC to leverage their positions to bring all contestants to the table for constructive dialogue and unity ahead of the June 13 leadership election.
Addressing journalists, Abbas reaffirmed the party’s decision regarding his candidacy, asserting that no changes had occurred as per his knowledge.
He stressed their determination to reach out and engage in the necessary efforts to ensure a unified and harmonious National Assembly.
