Deputy spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has attributed the growing support for President Bola Tinubu among opposition lawmakers to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas’ inclusive, people-centred leadership style.

Mr Agbese, a member of the Labour Party representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu federal constituency of Benue in the House of Representatives, said this at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday.

He lauded the speaker’s all-inclusive, non-discriminatory approach to managing the House, saying it had helped bridge political differences and foster cooperation among lawmakers, regardless of party affiliation.

Mr Agbese explained that the speaker had shown that effective leadership is not about favouring members of the ruling party but ensuring every lawmaker feels a sense of belonging and has the opportunity to contribute to the affairs of the legislature.

“In his firm belief in the “joint task project” of the 10th Assembly, Speaker Tajudeen has ensured that members cutting across all political parties are carried along,” he said.

This, the lawmaker said, included the chairmanship, deputy chairmanship and membership of key committees of the House.

“You will observe that the speaker has been very democratic and all-inclusive in carrying everyone along,” he stated.

Mr Agbese saluted Mr Abbas for sustaining the atmosphere of consultation, mutual respect and accommodation, allowing members of different political parties to work together in pursuit of common national interests.

He said the speaker’s leadership had also helped to shift attention from partisan divisions to issues affecting Nigerians, including economic development, security, infrastructure, employment and improved living conditions.

He said lawmakers, regardless of their political platforms, were first and foremost representatives of their constituencies and had a responsibility to support policies and programmes that improve the lives of their constituents.

Mr Agbese said that the growing cooperation between members of the opposition and Mr Tinubu’s administration should therefore be understood within the context of the leadership environment created by the speaker.

He said Mr Abbas’ ability to carry all members along had strengthened unity in the House and encouraged lawmakers to assess government policies on their merits and support initiatives considered beneficial to the country.

Mr Agbese said that the approach was particularly important as political activities gathered momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that national development required collaboration across party lines.

Mr Agbese, a member of the Labour Party in the House, like many others, is at the forefront of pushing for Mr Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

(NAN)