Calls for Aggrieved Aspirants to Withdraw in Support of Duo
The Spokesman of Coalition of United Political Parties and member-elect for Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere, alongside 62 other opposition members-elect, announced their endorsement of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, as the consensus candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the forthcoming 10th National Assembly.
This declaration was made during a press conference held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and member-elect for Ideato North/South federal constituency of Imo State, urged other candidates who were counting on opposition votes to support the Abbas/Kalu ticket to gracefully withdraw from the race. He emphasized that the opposition votes they had anticipated would no longer be available.
Ugochinyere commended the integrity and competence of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, stating that they were well-suited to lead the 10th House of Representatives.
He stressed the importance of prioritizing national development, growth, and stability over partisan politics at this time. Additionally, he called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that neither the character of Hon. Abbas and Kalu nor the independence of the House is tarnished if they emerge as winners.
Addressing allegations of tampering with the House Rules, Ugochinyere clarified that the Rules were last printed in December 2020, prior to the 2023 elections. As per the existing Rules, the election of the House’s presiding officers will be conducted through an open ballot system.
Ugochinyere urged his fellow members-elect still in the race to reconsider their positions and join Hon. Tajudeen Abbas in leading the 10th Assembly towards achieving unprecedented performance and accomplishments for Nigeria.
He emphasized that the collective goal should transcend party lines and focus solely on the betterment of Nigeria and its people. The selection of Abbas and Kalu was based on merit, ensuring that the best candidates were chosen for the positions.