Ahead of the formal inauguration of the 10th House of Representatives, 63 members-elect in the opposition parties under the umbrella of Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), have backed the preferred candidates of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker, respectively.
The spokesman for the Coalition Ikenga Ugochinyere, who led 62 other members-elect in minority political parties, made the endorsement known in Abuja at a World Press Conference.
Hon Ugochinyere, a member-elect representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency of Imo State called on other speakership aspirants banking on votes of the opposition members-elect to contest against the Abbas/Kalu ticket, to withdraw from the race as votes would no longer be available for them.
According to him, “It is on this note that I call on my fellow colleague members-elect who are still in the race to stop and join the prefect of the class, Hon Tajudeen Abbas, to steer the ship of the 10th Assembly to beat the records of the other Houses in performance and achievement for Nigeria.
“The reason I say this is because the opposition party members’ votes which they are relying on for their anticipated rebellion are no longer available to them.
“Our common goal now should be beyond party and partisan politics and totally focused on Nigeria and her greater good. We want the best and we have selected the best and importantly, the selection is by merit.” the spokesperson declared.