The contest for the speakership of the 10th House of Representatives is beginning to take shape as Tajudeen Abbas, a candidate for the All Progressives Congress, APC, has gained the support of two major frontrunners.
Muktar Betara and Yusuf Gagdi, two interested APC members, protested Abbas’ selection as the party’s favoured candidate weeks after it was announced.
However, after much haggling and negotiating, both Betara and Gagdi have decided to leave on Sunday in favour of Abbas.
As the pair reportedly controlled over 130 members-elect in the APC alone during their campaign for the seat, this would be considered as a significant success for Abbas.
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Vice President Kashim Shettima made the announcement on Sunday, saying they stepped down “because what binds us together is superior to whatever that divides us.”
Abdulmumin Jibrin, a former representative as well as the member-elect for the 10th House, stated: “After weeks of discussions, persuasions, political dexterity of the new chief of staff, wise counsel of the vice president, and most importantly intervention of Mr. President, Hon Muktar Betara and Yusuf Gagdi stepped down from the speakership race and support Hon Tajudeen Abbas.“
