NewsNigeriaPoliticsSpeakership race: Doguwa, two others steps down for APC’s anointed candidate, Abbas

The majority leader of the House of Representatives and the lawmaker representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada constituency, Alhassan Doguwa, has pulled out of the race for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly.

Announcing his withdrawal from the race, the All Progressives Congress, APC, federal lawmaker declared his support for Tajudeen Abbas, the party’s preferred candidate for the position.

On May 9, the National Working Committee of the APC zoned the senate presidency of the forthcoming 10th National Assembly to the South-South and the office of the deputy to the North West

The party also zoned the speakership of the House of Representatives to the North West and the deputy speakership to the South East.

Doguwa, who had initially kicked against the APC’s nomination of Abbas and Benjamin Kalu for the speakership and deputy speakership positions, said his decision was “in the best interest of our party and the House as a whole”.

His statement reads: “I write to formally announce my withdrawal from the race for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“Throughout the campaign, I have been humbled and grateful for the support, encouragement, and solidarity I received from many of you. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to each one of you for your trust and confidence in me.

“However, after careful consideration and reflection, I have come to the difficult decision that it is in the best interest of our party and the House as a whole for me to step down from pursuing the Speakership at this time. I believe it is crucial for us to maintain unity and focus on the greater objectives that lie ahead.”

He vouched for Abbas’ competency for the leadership of the lower house and urged his supporters to throw their weight behind Abbas. According to him, “With Hon. Tajudden Abbas at the helm, we will achieve great things for our constituents and our nation.”

He said, “Tajudeen Abbas possesses the qualities and vision required to navigate the complex challenges we face and drive positive change.

“I have had the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with Hon. Tajudden Abbas, and I am convinced that his commitment to serving our constituents and advancing our shared values is unwavering. I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy and pledge my full support to him in his pursuit of the Speakership.

“I urge all of you to join me in rallying behind Hon. Tajudden Abbas, as he embodies the principles and aspirations that we believe will help us lead with integrity and diligence. Together, we can work towards fostering a productive and collaborative environment within the House, where the voices of all members are heard and respected.”

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that two other speakership aspirants, Abdulraheem Olaoye and Makki Yalleman, also stepped down for Abbas; and Abiola Makinde, Francis Waive and Julius Ihonberev renounced their deputy speakership ambitions for Kalu.