The President-elect, Bola Tinubu, has denied claims that he has preferred candidates for the leadership of both chambers who will constitute the 10th National Assembly.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima, disclosed this at the meeting with new members-elect to the National Assembly.
A member-elect for Bungudu/Maru Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Abdulmalik Bungudu, confirmed Tinubu’s stance while speaking with PUNCH shortly after the meeting.
Bungudu, who spoke in the Hausa language, revealed that Tinubu told attendees that he had no preferred candidates for any of the principal offices of the 10th NASS.
According to him, “For now, he (Tinubu) said he doesn’t have anybody that he prefers to have as Senate President or Speaker, but consultations are going to continue to get the way out for the party and to also ensure the party emerges victorious in the forthcoming governorship and Houses of Assembly elections.”
The ruling party had also charged the newly elected federal lawmakers to fulfil the promises that led them to the 10th National Assembly, adding that they should work for the party’s victory in the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections in their respective states on Saturday, March 18.
Senator Abdullahi Adamu, National Chairman of the APC, stated during his speech at the parley that the ruling party was the clear choice of the people.
He said, “It is not an understatement to say that our presence at this meeting points to our preparedness to join hands with the president-elect as he works on his plans to renew our hopes and rebuild our confidence in our government.
“The president-elect and the party leadership will make appropriate consultations in working out a formula for sharing those offices. I assure you that whatever sharing formula the Party and the President-elect arrives at will be fair, just, equitable and satisfy the majority of our members.
“For Mr President-elect and Vice-President elect, the task ahead of you is huge, even frightening. This is the time for you and the party to gird our loins and focus on hitting the ground running from May 29, 2023.
“I know you are men with a purpose. I know that you are driven by the love of the people and the country in seeking this exalted office. I salute you and give you my blessings and the blessings of the national executive committee and the national working committee of our Party.
“Let me draw attention to the forthcoming Governorship and State Assembly elections scheduled for March 18, 2023. I urge you to return to your respective states and give all the necessary cooperation to the Party and APC candidates contesting the elections.
“There must be no misunderstanding between the state teams and yourselves that may affect the fortunes of the Party at the elections. You must therefore join hands with the existing structures in the state to bring victory for our Party. I wish you luck.”
