…By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
The chosen candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu, who were nominated for the positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker in the 10th House of Representatives, arrived at the APC’s national secretariat on Tuesday to hold a meeting with the party’s leadership.
Approximately 30 other lawmakers accompanied Abbas and Kalu, arriving in three white Coaster buses around 2.18 pm.
Closed-Door Meeting Related to Zoning Arrangement
The meeting, held behind closed doors, involved discussions between Abbas, Kalu, and the APC National Working Committee (NWC) led by the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Adamu.
It is reported to be connected to the zoning arrangement that was announced by the party on May 8.
Zoning Arrangement for House of Representatives Leadership Positions
In the zoning arrangement announced by the APC for the 10th National Assembly leadership, the position of Senate President was assigned to the former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, while the position of Deputy Senate President went to Senator Jibrin Barau, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.
In the House of Representatives, the Speaker’s position was designated for Abass, while Kalu, representing Bende federal constituency of Abia State, secured the Deputy Speaker slot.
Controversy and Ongoing Consultation
The party’s decision regarding the leadership positions sparked outrage among other aspirants in the race, with some expressing their determination to continue pursuing their aspirations despite the party’s stance.
Sources familiar with the ongoing meeting between Abbas, Kalu, and the APC leadership disclosed that the purpose may be to update the national chairman and NWC members on the progress made in garnering support from their colleagues and lawmakers from other parties.
Meeting in Progress
As of the time of this report, the meeting between Abbas, Kalu, and the APC leadership was still ongoing, with further details yet to be disclosed.