Reps-elect: Tinubu didn’t tell us to vote for a particular candidate when we met him

Some members-elect of the house of representatives say President Bola Tinubu didn’t ask them to vote for any speakership candidate.

On Thursday, Tinubu met with lawmakers-elect of all political parties at the presidential villa.

Speaking after the meeting, Adamu Ranga, reps-elect for Ningi/Warji federal constituency in Bauchi, said Tinubu didn’t speak in favour of any speakership candidate.

Ranga said Tinubu requested them to work for the unity of the country “in order to ensure that we have a solid government”.

“The lawmakers were told to work together to choose good leaders in the 10th national assembly,” he said.

“Second, he emphasised that he will operate an open-door policy for everybody. Whoever wants to see him can see him without any hindrance. And whatever you want to discuss with him, he will give you that privilege to discuss.

“Thirdly, he said we should put our constituencies first since we are here to represent them. He mentioned that he wants the senate and the house to cooperate to elect good leaders.”

Paul Nnamchi, who will represent Enugu east/Isiuzo federal constituency, said Tinubu “appealed” to them to “forget about party politics” and focus on national interest.

“That was the major part of his speech. He didn’t mention anybody’s name to be voted for. Maybe he is appealing, but I didn’t hear anybody’s name,” Nnamchi said.

Before the meeting on Thursday, the president had on Wednesday met with governors and lawmakers-elect of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

After the meeting, Tinubu was reported to have asked the lawmakers-elect to back the APC’s nominations for the national assembly leadership positions.

The APC had picked Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu for speaker and deputy speaker of the 10th assembly.

The ruling party also picked Godswill Akpabio and Barau Jibrin, as senate president and deputy senate president respectively.

Nevertheless, some party stakeholders and aspirants in the national assembly leadership race have protested against the party’s nominations.