ABUJA, Nigeria — In an unexpected turn of events, Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House of Representatives, admitted to a crowd of legislators on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, that he regretted backing Aminu Tambuwal for the same position during his tenure from June 2011 to May 2015.
Gbajabiamila made the candid admission during a meeting with the faction known as the Joint Task Team in the nation’s capital, Abuja.
“Reflecting on our past moves in politics is crucial for growth,” he said, expressing his disappointment in Tambuwal, who he says did not reciprocate the supportive gesture.
Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House and current governor of Sokoto State, is now transitioning into the Senate after a successful bid to represent the Sokoto South Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.
His transition comes as his eight-year, two-term tenure as governor draws to a close.
Gbajabiamila, however, is now setting his sights on the future and has announced his endorsement of Tajudeen Abbas as his successor for the speakership.
“We must build on the legislative gains of the 9th National Assembly, and Abbas is the right choice for that,” he said.
He further clarified that the decision to zone the speakership position to the North-West is a strategic one due to its status as the highest voting block, which played a significant role in the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the helm of power.
“The APC represents a merger of South-West and North-West,” Gbajabiamila explained.
“While the North-West initially wanted the Vice President position, we believe this speakership position serves as appropriate compensation.”
The meeting, attended by representatives from multiple parties set to comprise the next lower chamber, was a call for unity and respect for the ruling government.
Godswill Akpabio, the APC’s choice for Senate President, also addressed the assembly, urging the newly elected members to uphold the party’s principles.
“Respecting the government isn’t just about protocol,” Akpabio said, “it’s about making a commitment to the Nigerian people and ensuring we deliver on our promises.”
