As a way of showing loyalty to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress and also in a bid to continuously attract the dividends of democracy to his Constituency,Hon Benjamin Kalu who is amongst the top contenders for Speaker of the House of Representatives has officially withdrawn from the race.
Ben Kalu, however, declared his intention to run for the Office of Deputy Speaker.
Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency Abia State, in a statement by his media aide, extended his gratitude to all who supported him while he vied for the Speakership of the 10th Assembly.
He added that the Speakership position was ideal for the Southeast region, as it has not produced a Speaker in the last 40 years buas a firm believer in the precept of party supremacy, he had no choice than to withdraw his candidacy for that position.
The statement reads: “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”
