Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the majority leader in the House of Representatives, formally announced his candidacy for the position of Speaker of the upcoming 10th National Assembly on Wednesday.
The official announcement was made on Wednesday at a news conference in Abuja by Ado-Doguwa, who is a member of the House of Representatives for the Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State.
The Majority Leader recalled how he gave up his position as Speaker of the 9th House of Assembly to Femi Gbajabiamila, stating that his path to the position is comparable to that of the current Speaker.
The ranking member of the House claimed that after the Independent National Electoral Commission certified him as the victor of a supplementary election and issued a Certificate of Return, he had done extensive research and “been approached by many Nigerians, mostly my colleagues, who urged me to declare my intention to contest for the speakership of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.”
Alhassan Ado-Doguwa claims that individuals asking me to run for office think I am one of the most qualified applicants.
Not just because I deserve it, Ado-Doguwa said, “but also because I have the ability and experience to live up to the expectations of millions of Nigerians who believe that our democracy must be led by competent and experienced leaders.”
“I am a strong and devoted party member, and I have made it crystal clear in other fora that, because of my absolute loyalty to the party and my unwavering respect for party supremacy, my ambition will be predicated only on the condition that the party zones the speakership position to the North-West Zone, which is my immediate constituency.
“I’ve come to the realization that I must hear the plea of those who support my bid for the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I’m determined to work with my coworkers and all Nigerians to meet their expectations and to run the home as effectively as I can in the best interests of the populace.
After paying his dues, the legislator said, “It is time to reward my stewardship to both the parliament and the nation.”
Alhassan Ado-Doguwa recalled that Femi Gbajabiamila was chosen by the South-West Caucus to serve as the Minority Leader during the period between 2011 and 2015 when the Peoples Democratic Party held a majority in the House and controlled the leadership.
The All Progressive Congress held a majority in the House from 2015 to 2019, and he noted that “it was only natural that the Minority Leader transits to Majority Leadership position.”
Ado-Doguwa further recounted that when the convention was first suggested, he personally decided to accept the Chief Whip job rather than the Majority Leader role, which he had previously been considered for. This was done to make place for Gbajabiamila to take over as Majority Leader.
“Fast forward to 2019–2023, 9th Assembly, where, in accordance with House convention, when the speakership position was zoned to the South–West, it was only natural that my brother and good friend, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the then Majority Leader, was the only one adopted for the speakership position, and the rest is now history,” he continued.
“This small narrative contains a wealth of information. Since joining the House in 2003, our outstanding Speaker (Gbajabiamila) has progressed through the ranks to reach his current position. We cannot ignore the relevant legislative experience, necessary parliamentary training, and interpersonal ties with his colleagues that he developed and cultivated over the course of his nearly 20-year stay in the House and which are evident in his leadership style and prowess in the 9th Assembly.
Is history repeating itself? the majority leader claimed he was “tempted” to ask.
“I think the answer is yes,” he continued. I am currently serving my fifth term in the House, like our Speaker. I worked well with my Speaker of the House while serving as Chief Whip of the House of Representatives from 2015 to 2019. Currently, I am the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.
“By God’s special grace, I am the oldest serving member from the North-West zone in the House, and with the help of my colleagues, I am the Leader of the North-West and the Leader of the APC Caucuses in the House.
“God willing, I will be the Speaker that would see through the implementation of the Renewed Hope 2023-Action Plan for a Better Nigeria, anchored by our amiable and tested President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Last weekend, Ado-Doguwa sent a notice to House members announcing his intention to run for Speaker of the 10th House.
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The message, which was written on a hand booklet, is an open letter to all of our members-elect. On Monday night, he said to our correspondent, “We do, however, aim to issue a formal declaration of intention to run for the Speakership of the 10th NASS.
Ado-Doguwa announced his candidacy for the speaker while being prosecuted for alleged offenses.
According to reports, Ado-Doguwa was detained on February 28, 2023, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as he attempted to board an aircraft to Abuja. He is currently on trial for charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm, damage, and public disturbance.
He’s out on bond right now.
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