Benjamin Kalu, a member from Abia State’s Bende federal constituency, has withdrawn from consideration to be the House of Representatives’ speaker.
This occurs one day after the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally unveiled its zoning plan for the 10th National Assembly.
However, Kalu has formally announced that he will be running for the position of Deputy Speaker.
He stated: “I believed this position was ideal for the Southeast region, as it has not produced a Speaker in the last 40 years,” according to a statement by his media assistant.
“However, as a firm believer in Party supremacy, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy for the Speakership Position and fully accept the nomination for the position of Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly in line with the directives of our Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
The APC has endorsed both Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau for the position of Senate President.
Ben Kalu has received support for the position of Deputy House Speaker under Abbas Tajudeen.