Doguwa, 5 others step down for Abbas, Kalu in speakership race

In a significant development, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, Ado Doguwa, along with five other aspirants, have voluntarily withdrawn from the race for the speaker and deputy speakership positions.

This decision was announced during a meeting of members-elect convened under the banner of the ’10th Joint Task’ in Abuja.

The speakership aspirants, including Doguwa (APC-Kano), Abdulraheem Olawuyi (APC-Ogun), and Makki Yalleman (APC-Jigawa), stepped aside, paving the way for Tajudeen Abbas (APC-Kaduna) to emerge as the favoured candidate for the position.

Likewise, the deputy speakership aspirants, Abiola Makinde (APC-Ondo), Francis Waive (APC-Delta), and Julius Ihonberev (APC-Edo), willingly withdrew their candidacies, clearing the path for Benjamin Kalu (APC-Abia) to assume the role of deputy speaker.

The All Progressive Congress (APC) had previously endorsed Abbas and Kalu for the respective positions, a decision further reinforced by the support of the Minority Party Forum, a coalition of approximately 70 lawmakers-elect.

Expressing his support, Mr. Doguwa, on behalf of the speakership aspirants, affirmed their commitment to rally behind the Abbas-Kalu campaign.

Similarly, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, speaking on behalf of the deputy speaker aspirants, emphasized the need to adjust strategies and tactics to uphold a democratic process that ensures effective governance.

With these voluntary withdrawals, the path toward electing the speaker and deputy speaker of the House of Representatives becomes clearer, as Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu garner increased support in their quest to lead the legislative chamber.

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