Speaker Gbajabiamila’s Allies To Battle For Leadership Positions In House Of Representatives

As Nigerians are in anticipation for the incoming 10th National Assembly, the race for the leadership of the House of Representatives is already gaining intensity as some aspirants are already emerging on the scene.

According to reports, some members of the House from the South-West geopolitical zone are seeking the office of the Deputy Speaker.

Recall that the current Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, is from Lagos State in the South-West. Coincidentally, those said to have indicated interest in the leadership seat are known allies of the Speaker.

Although, the lawmakers have yet to officially declare their interests, yet some of them have informed newsmen off-the-record about their ambitions.

They include the Chairman of the House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (APC/Ondo); Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Oluwole Oke (PDP/Osun); Chairman of the House Committee on Science Research Institutes, Olaide Akinremi, among others.

Incidentally, these lawmakers were said to have been influential in the emergence of Gbajabiamila as Speaker of the House.

Meanwhile, when contacted, Tunji-Ojo said he had yet to declare any ambition for any leadership position.

“I am a party man and I think it is premature for anybody to declare and start campaigning at this point when the party (APC) has not released its zoning formula for positions,” he was quoted saying.

Also speaking on Monday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, a close ally of Gbajabiamila and loyalist of the president-elect, noted that the APC leadership would be influential in the selection process.

There are still doubts over the future of Gbajabiamila who has won the seat of Surulere 1 Federal Constituency in Lagos State for sixth term.

Incidentally, the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is from Lagos like Gbajabiamila, while the Vice President-elect is from the North (Borno).

Meanwhile, aspirants for leadership positions for both the Senate and the House are expected to begin declaration for their choice positions as the National Assembly resumes from election break on March 14.