No fewer than 60 members-elect have endorsed Tajudeen Abbas and Benjamin Kalu for Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives respectively.

This is as the race for the leadership of the 360-member Nigeria’s lower legislative chamber hots up. 

At least seven other top contenders are eyeing the position which the APC had controversially zoned to Messrs Abbas and Kalu.

On Friday, supporters of the APC-anointed candidates, under the aegis of Joint Task 10th Assembly members-elect met vice president-elect, Kashim Shettima, as part of moves to cement the nomination of Messrs Abbas and Kalu.

At the meeting, Mr Shettima promised to meet other aspirants in the race for the 10th House of Representatives speakership in a bid to reach a truce.

The aggrieved aspirants have formed a coalition known as G-7 which include: Ahmed Wase, Aliyu Betara, Yusuf Gagdi, Sada Soli, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, Sani Jaji and Miriam Onuoha.

Mr Shettima said he has cordial relationship with many of the other aspirants and has even engaged them with a view to resolving the impasse.

“I have started and I will continue in that engagement. I have respect for the House of Reps, they have a long memory. we will embrace them and ensure a harmonious relationship.”

He promised to ensure members-elect had a rancour free national assembly election in the choice of who becomes the speaker of the 10th House of Reps.

(NAN)