In a heated political debate that has captured the attention of the nation, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Ibrahim Wase has strongly defended his claim to the position of Speaker in the 10th Assembly, in defiance to the decision of his party to zone the position to the North-west.
Wase, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) representing the Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State, insists that it is his turn to occupy the prestigious role, emphasizing his experience and the need for regional balance.
The race for the speakership has become a contentious issue within the APC, with multiple lawmakers vying for the position and the APC fronting the Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport, Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna, Northwest), for the position.
However, Wase argues he is the most deserving candidate based on his extensive legislative experience and his dedication to the party’s ideals.
“I have spent several years serving in various capacities within the National Assembly, and my commitment to the progress of our great nation is unwavering,” Wase stated during a press conference held at the National Assembly complex.
He added: “I believe it is only fair and just that I am given the opportunity to lead the House of Representatives and contribute to the nation’s development.”
The lawmaker further highlighted the importance of regional balance, pointing out that no member from the North-Central region has held the position of Speaker since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
He argued that it is crucial to ensure equitable representation across all regions of Nigeria to foster unity and strengthen national cohesion.
Wase’s insistence on his turn to become Speaker has drawn both support and criticism from within the APC and other political parties.
His loyal supporters cite his loyalty to the party and his understanding of legislative processes as key factors that make him the ideal candidate for the role.
However, detractors argue that the speakership position should be decided based on merit and not on an individual’s claim to seniority or regional representation.
They contend that the most qualified candidate, irrespective of their zone or years of service, should be selected to lead the House.
One of the leading aspirants for the seat of the Speakership Aliyu Betara, has said that the G-7 will determine who emerges the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The G-7 are a group of aspirants for the 10th National Assembly speaker, opposed to the consensus candidate chosen by the APC.
“I assure you that we are not going to have any issue. We are going to agree to support one of us as speaker, ” he said.
As the debate intensifies, political analysts predict that the leadership of the APC will play a crucial role in determining the final outcome.
The party’s decision may be influenced by factors such as balancing regional interests, maintaining party unity, and ensuring the continued stability of the House of Representatives.
With tensions rising and the race for the speakership heating up, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on the unfolding drama in Nigeria’s political landscape.
As the lawmakers prepare to elect their new Speaker, the question of whether Wase’s claim to the position will ultimately prevail or if another candidate will emerge as the victor remains to be seen.