…By Babatunde Lucas for TDPel Media.
Rejecting the Zoning Formula
The Vice President-elect, Kashim Shettima, recently had a meeting with Yusuf Gagdi, one of the aspirants for the Speakership position in the upcoming 10th National Assembly.
As reported by Naija News, Gagdi, along with six other aspirants, has rejected the zoning formula for the leadership positions in the 10th National Assembly, which was released by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The APC NWC had designated Tajudeen Abbas for the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives and Benjamin Kalu for the Deputy Speaker.
Discussion on Zoning and Ambition
During an interview with The Punch, Gagdi revealed that he reached out to and met with the Vice President-elect to discuss the zoning arrangement and his ambition to become the next Speaker.
He clarified that the meeting was not in relation to the recent visit of Abbas and Kalu to Shettima, nor was it about reaching out to aggrieved aspirants, known as the G-7.
Gagdi emphasized that the former Governor of Borno State did not ask him to step down from the race.
Purpose of the Meeting
Gagdi explained that his meeting with the Vice President-elect was primarily as a political leader of the North, and he wanted to inform Shettima about his intention to run for the position of Speaker.
Gagdi stated that he had not officially declared his candidacy to Shettima until that moment.
He shared that he informed Shettima about his aspirations, and the Vice President-elect offered his prayers and good wishes.
Gagdi clarified that he had not discussed any engagement related to supporting Tajudeen Abbas or the G-7 members with the Vice President-elect.
Stand on Group’s Resolution and Justice for the Zone
When asked about the involvement of Asiwaju Tinubu reaching out to the G-7, Gagdi reiterated that the group had resolved to produce one candidate from among them.
He emphasized that his struggle was not for personal gain but for the welfare of the Nigerian people.
Gagdi expressed that becoming Speaker should not be a do-or-die affair and that he would only listen if justice was done to his zone.
He also highlighted that had the APC consulted widely with party leaders and elected members of the National Assembly, similar to what happened in 2019, this current problem could have been avoided.
Gagdi emphasized that when people feel ignored, they begin to assert their power within their limited capacities.