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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajuddeen, his deputy, Benjamin Okezie Kalu and other members have launched their bid to return to the House amidst fierce challenges from other candidates seeking to take over.
The Speaker, had earlier last week launched his bid for fifth term to represent Zaria federal constituency of Kaduna State while Kalu who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State is seeking to return for the third consecutive time.
Hon. Abbas who was first elected to the House in 2011 became the Speaker of the House in 2023.
Addressing his Constituents during the declaration in Zaria, he said, “Today, I formally declare my intention to seek another mandate to represent the good people of Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. This declaration is not based on promises alone. It is based on work. It is based on results. It is based on a record that our people can see and verify.
“When you first entrusted me with this responsibility, I made a commitment that representation would not be distant from the people. I said leadership must produce visible outcomes. I said public office must improve lives. And together, we have worked to fulfill that promise”.
In a surprise move however, his deputy, Hon. Benjamin Kalu dropped his governorship ambition and opted to return to the House and continue to represent his Constituents.
According to his Special Assistant on Press Affairs, Udora Orizu in a statement on Friday, Kalu decided to contest after a vote of confidence passed by his Bende Constituents endorsing his bid for re-election in the 2027 general election.
The statement informed that, the declaration was held in Bende on Thursday with representatives from all 13 wards of the constituency, political stakeholders, community leaders, youths and grassroots supporters who commended the Deputy Speaker for what they described as effective representation, inclusive leadership and quality service delivery since assuming office in 2019.
The statement quoted Kalu during the declaration thanking his constituents for the confidence reposed in him and their continued support over the years.
He reeled out his legislative achievements which include the sponsorship of key bills, some of which have already been signed into law, as well as constituency projects spread across the wards in the constituency.
Kalu said, “I’m returning to the National Assembly so I can finish the good work I started. I am going back to support the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a man who genuinely loves Nigeria. The President is coming with more reforms in his second tenure, and those of us who understand his philosophy and his desire to build a lasting legacy will continue to stand by him through thick and thin. If you allow me to return to the House, you will see even more development in Bende. I will do more for our people.”
Many other members of the 10th assembly have also joined the race to make a come back while a few of the 9th Assembly members are also in the race to slug it out with other candidates to return.
Some of the prominent members who have been in the House and are currently set to retain their seats included the former deputy speaker, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase representing Wase federal constituency of Plateau State, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwar representing Tudun Wada/Doguwa federal constituency of Kano State and many others.
On the other hand, others have decided to quit after their term at the 10th assembly elapse in 2027.
One of these lawmakers is Hon. Mansur Manu Soro representing Ganjuwa/Darazo federal constituency of Bauchi State.
The lawmaker who spoke to Politics Digest on telephone said that, he decided to quit and let another person take the mantle adding that he has done his best to served his people.
It could be recalled that, he had in a statement dated May 11, 2026, signed by his Legislative Aide, Safiyanu Ibrahim Darazo stated that, he will neither contest for the Bauchi Central Senatorial district seat or seek re-election for the Darazo/Ganjuwa Federal Constituency.
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