Abbas speaks on nomination for speakership, says he’s in talks with aggrieved reps

Tajudeen Abbas, a member of the house of representatives, says he is “elated” about his nomination for the position of speaker by the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abbas spoke on Tuesday night while briefing journalists after a meeting with members-elect in Abuja.

On Monday, the APC nominated Abbas and Benjamin Kalu as its preferred choice for the speaker and deputy positions in the 10th assembly.

The election of principal officers of the senate and house of representatives will take place early next month.

Following the nomination of Abbas, other APC reps in the race expressed reservations over the party’s decision, insisting that they will not step down.

Commenting on the development, Abbas said his camp is reaching out to all the speakership hopefuls to reach a truce.

“I feel elated and inspired because I believe that if the party is going use competence as its yardstick, I’m the right person to actually be picked. So for the fact that they did what I expected they would do, I feel very elated and satisfied,” he said.

“We are reaching out to them (contestants). We are in the process, we have reached out to so many, and we will continue reaching out to all of them.

“Before the end of next week, I assure you we will reach out to all the candidates, all the aspirants, we will implore them and ask them to come on board so that we can work for the good of the institution and Nigeria.”

Abbas said he will officially declare his speakership bid next week, adding that he will present a 16-point agenda at the event.

Also speaking, Kalu said his nomination was done in the “spirit of inclusion”.

He said the south-east will “feel the power of cohesion” and the geopolitical zone will be loyal to the party.

“It’s a wise decision to include the south-easterners in the structure of the government that’s being formed. As you know, it is the responsibility of a ruling party to set up the architecture of government in order to achieve the set national objectives,” he said.

“And I’m sure by making sure that everybody embraces that national objective will help them achieve it faster. And this architecture that’s being displayed now is all-inclusive.

“My people in the south-east are delighted that they have been considered. And that will change the dynamics come 2027.“