On Friday, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, stated that he was still in the running for the position of Speaker of the 10th National Assembly, despite the All Progressives Congress’ decision to zone the office to the North-East. He made this statement after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.
Wase said that the letter from the APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) that outlined the zoning as advisory allows for continued discussions on the matter. He also asserted that the advisory nature of the letter contradicts the constitutional mandate of the Federal Character of Nigeria.
Wase emphasised the importance of diversity in leadership and highlighted that Nigeria has six geopolitical zones and that the government currently comprises six presiding officers. He underscored the shared sentiments among his fellow candidates, stating that they believe it is unfair to neglect his zone for the position of Deputy Speaker.
The outgoing Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, had earlier announced that the Joint Task – 10th Assembly, a coalition of members-elect of the APC and opposition parties, had adopted the APC’s anointed candidates for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, respectively, for the 10th House. The APC gave the North-West the Speakership and the Deputy Senate Presidency to compensate the geopolitical zone.
However, Wase’s determination to run despite the zoning is a direct challenge to the APC’s established choice. It also highlights the internal politics and power struggles within the party, which are currently playing out as the country gears up for the election of presiding officers for the 10th National Assembly.
