10th speakership: Support Abbas, Kalu, group urges G-7, minority caucus
Ericjames Ochigbo
The Defenders of Constitutional Democracy (CDC) a pressure group within the All Progressive Congress (APC) has urged the G-7 aspirants to standby the zoning arrangements of the party and support Reps Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
In a statement by the National Convener, Mr Aliyu Abdullahi, the group also urged the minority caucus in the incoming 10th House of Representatives not field candidates.
G-7 is a group of aggrieved aspirants, determined to contest in the 10th speakership race against the zoning formulae of the APC.
Its membership includes Deputy Speaker Ahmed Idris Wase, Rep. Muktar Betara, Rep. Yusuf Gagdi, Rep. Sada Soli, Rep. Aminu Sani Jaji and Rep. Miriam Onuoha.
Abdullahi pleaded with the G-7 to respect the party’s position and avoid unnecessary confrontation and confusion in the 10th house.
“As democrats and patriotic Nigerians who are interested in the unity and peace of this nation, we appeal to the G-7 and the minority caucus known as “Greater Minority” to sheathe their swords.
“We appeal to them to accept the endorsement of Reps. Tajudeen Abass and Benjamin Kalu as the Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively as an act of God,” he said.
Abdullahi said that National Chairman of APC Sen. Abdullahi Adamu had promised to review the zoning and make necessary concessions where possible, hence, no need disobeying the party.
He urged the aggrieved aspirant not to “set the house on fire” because they are not comfortable with the party’s decision.
The convener called on the G-7 aspirants to join hands with the party and work for the emergence of Abbas and Kalu in order to have a legislature that can collaborate with the Executive to give Nigerians the best.
He appealed to the the ‘Greater Minority‘ not to sponsor a consensus candidate to counter the APC’s choice of Abbas and Kalu.
According to him, politics is not only about fight and opposition but it is also about collaboration and alliances.
“We are calling on members-elect of other political parties and aggrieved members-elect in APC to join hands and make this ticket work for the good of our nation.
“The President-elect, Sen. Bola Tinubu and the Vice President-elecr, Sen. Shettima are politicians of note who will not want to marginalise any individual or a section of the country,” he said.
