Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, the majority leader in the House of Representatives, on Wednesday, formally announced his intention to run for the position of Speaker of the upcoming 10th National Assembly.
The official announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja by Ado-Doguwa, who represents Kano State’s Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency.
The majority leader recalled how he gave up his position as Speaker of the 9th House of Assembly to Femi Gbajabiamila, noting 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 winner 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.”
According to Ado-Doguwa, “those asking me to run believe I am among the qualified candidates for the job.”
“Not just because I am deserving (sic) but because I have the capacity and experience to deliver on the expectations of millions of Nigerians who believe that our democracy must be led by competent and experienced leaders,” Ado-Doguwa stated.
The majority leader said, “I am a strong and committed party man and have stated it categorically clear in other fora that, because of my absolute loyalty to the party and my unflinching 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 have realised that it is necessary to heed the call of the people who believe in my capacity to seek the Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. I am committed to working with my colleagues and all Nigerians to deliver on their expectations and to preside over the house to the best of my ability in the overall interest of the people.”
The lawmaker stated that he had paid his dues and “it is time to reward my stewardship to both the parliament and the nation.”
Ado-Doguwa noted that Femi Gbajabiamila was chosen by the South-West Caucus to serve as Minority Leader during the period between 2011 and 2015 in which 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 position, which he had previously been considered for. This was done to make place for Gbajabiamila to take over as Majority Leader.
He added, “Fast forward to 2019-2023, 9th Assembly, in keeping faith with the convention of the House, 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, the rest is now history.
“There is a lot to learn from this brief narrative. Our superlative Speaker (Gbajabiamila) has been in the House since 2003 till date and rose through the ranks to become what he is today. We cannot sweep under the carpet the cognate legislative experience, requisite parliamentary background and interpersonal relationship with his colleagues, developed and nurtured over his almost 20-year sojourn in the House, as being manifested in his leadership style and prowess in the 9th Assembly.”
The majority leader said he was “tempted” to ask, “Is history repeating itself?’
He added, “I believe the answer is yes. Just like our Speaker, I am also serving out my 5th term in the House. I have served as Chief Whip, House of Representatives 2015 to 2019, and currently, Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, working harmoniously with my Speaker.
“By the special Grace of God, I stand out as the oldest serving member from the North-West zone in the House, and with the support 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.
“The letter is an open letter to all of our members-elect captured on a hand pamphlet. We, however, intend to make a formal declaration of intention to run for the Speakership of the 10th NASS,” he said on Monday night.
Ado-Doguwa announced his bid for speaker while being prosecuted for alleged crimes.
Ado-Doguwa was detained on February 28, 2023, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport as he attempted to board a plane to Abuja. He is currently on trial for alleged offences including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, unlawful possession of a firearm, mischief, and public disturbance.
He’s currently out on bail.
