Kalu withdraws from speakership race, accepts APC’s nomination for deputy

Benjamin Kalu, a member of the house of representatives, has withdrawn from the speakership race.

Kalu’s withdrawal from the race follows his nomination for the position of deputy speaker by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

TheCable had reported how the Abia lawmaker was adopted for the number six position in the country by the ruling party.

Tajudeen Abbas, a lawmaker from Kaduna, was picked for the position of speaker. The election of the principal officers will take place in early June.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kalu said he accepted the party’s decision.

“I wish to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all who have tirelessly supported my candidacy for the speakership position of the 10th assembly,” the statement reads.

“I believed this position was ideal for the south-east region, as it has not produced a speaker in the last 40 years.”

The lawmaker said “as a firm believer in party supremacy” he decided to withdraw his candidacy for the speakership position and “fully accept the nomination for the position of deputy speaker of the 10th assembly in line with the directives” of the APC.

“This decision aligns with the party’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in all of its leadership selection processes,” he said.

Kalu asked stakeholders in the south-east to accept the party’s decision to ensure the region was not “entirely left out” in the leadership of the 10th assembly.