Following the official announcement of the zoning formular of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 10th National Assembly, a frontline candidate for the Office of the Speaker, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has officially withdrawn from the race and has now declared his intention to run for the Office of Deputy Speaker in line with the party’s nomination.
Rep. Kalu, stated this today in a press statement made available to the press.
In the statement the Reps Spokesperson and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, extended his gratitude and appreciation to all who supported him while he vied for the Speakership position of the 10th Assembly because he much believed this position was ideal for the Southeast region, as it has not produced a Speaker in the last 40 years but that as a firm believer in the precept of party supremacy, he had no choice than to withdraw his candidacy for that position.
The statement reads:
Withdrawal of Speakership Candidacy and Entry into Deputy Speakership Race in Accordance with APC’s Zoning Formula
I wish to extend my gratitude and appreciation to all who have tirelessly supported my candidacy for the Speakership position of the 10th Assembly. I believed this position was ideal for the Southeast region, as it has not produced a Speaker in the last 40 years.
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). This decision aligns with the Party’s commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusiveness in all of its leadership selection processes.
I am grateful for all the support and encouragement that have come my way during the Speakership race. I am both humbled and gratified by the confidence reposed in my ability to drive forward the renewed hope agenda of our esteemed party and the President-Elect on the legislative front.
I appreciate the leadership of my party, the All Progressive Congress (APC), for nominating me as the preferred candidate for the Deputy Speaker position. I intend to honor this nomination with robust legislative support and a diligent commitment to advance the party’s agenda and nation-building objectives in the 10th Assembly.
I am thankful to all the Party Stakeholders in the Southeast for their efforts to ensure that the region was not entirely left out in the leadership of the 10th Assembly. This position is for the entire Southeast region and we will leverage on it for greater impact across the region. My commitment is to ensure that the dividends of democracy is delivered effectively for the benefit of all South Easterners and the Nation at large.
I urge all my supporters across the Southeast and beyond to accept the decision of the Party and support all other candidates as nominated by the Party’s leadership as we work together to represent the best interests of the nation.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Signed,
Rep. Benjamin Kalu
Spokesperson, House of Representatives
Member, Bende Fed. Constituency
