The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, emphasized the importance of unity within the All Progressives Congress during a stakeholders’ meeting for the Northwest in Kaduna.
He highlighted the presence of grievances among party members nationwide and urged the National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to establish reconciliation committees to mend any discord.
“In previous speakers have said, we are bedeviled with many issues in different states, in every local government. It is time to draw a line. Elections are over; this is time for governance. We should forget what has happened; let’s forgive one another; let’s embrace one another,” Speaker Abbas stated.
He further urged Ganduje to address the turnover rate of members in the National Assembly, advocating for the retention of well-performing APC members in the upcoming elections in 2027.
“On the issue of the high turnover of members of the National Assembly, this is a golden opportunity under your tenure to ensure that you do everything humanly possible for current (APC) members of the National Assembly and States Houses of Assembly to return in 2027,” Speaker Abbas emphasized.
Expressing gratitude towards President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allocating key positions to the Northwest, Speaker Abbas encouraged the region to reciprocate by intensifying efforts in 2027.
“We thank Mr. President for finding the Northwest worthy of many important positions. To whom much is given, much is expected. It is our turn to appreciate Mr. President, to appreciate our party by ensuring that we do everything humanly possible to bring dividends of democracy to our people,” he remarked.
Additionally, Speaker Abbas called for continuous support of the party structures beyond election periods and pledged assistance from the National Assembly to bolster party initiatives.
“What I observed is that attention is given to the party when elections are near. After elections, nothing moves, nothing happens. I want to implore us, the leaders, to support our party not only during elections but at all times,” he stressed.
Regarding the ongoing constitution amendment, Speaker Abbas highlighted key areas of focus including state police, local government autonomy, women inclusion in politics, and the role of traditional institutions, emphasizing the importance of engaging constituents in the process.
