…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
Elected members of minority parties, collectively known as the “Greater Majority,” have refuted claims suggesting their endorsement of a specific candidate for the position of Speaker in the forthcoming 10th House of Representatives.
Speculations arose following a meeting between the minority caucuses, stakeholders, and the outgoing House Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila.
Reports inaccurately interpreted the meeting as a move to endorse Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who is the candidate supported by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Responding to these rumors, the “Greater Majority” issued a statement signed by Secretary Hon. Ali Isa JC, clarifying that they did not endorse any candidate and cautioning the media against disseminating potentially misleading information.
The statement explicitly stated, “We hereby use this opportunity to categorically state that at no time did the minority caucuses endorse anyone.”
It emphasized that their meetings with Gbajabiamila and Abbas were part of their consultation process, with no commitments made to any candidate.
Furthermore, the group clarified that their ultimate decision would be based on what is deemed acceptable to the Nigerian public.
They stated, “Our caucuses will only make our choices known after we have concluded all necessary consultations, and our choice will ultimately be based on what will be acceptable to the generality of Nigerians.”
Additionally, the “Greater Majority” announced a postponement of their retreat originally planned in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The retreat has been rescheduled to take place from May 31st to June 3rd, 2023.