– One of the major contenders for the speakership position in the 9th National Assembly, Yusuf Buba, has stepped down Femi Gbajabiamila

– APC had zone the position of the speaker of House of Reps to southwest and endorsed Gbajabiamila as its sole candidate

– Buba said that stepped down to honour the zoning arrangement of the party

One of the major contenders for the speakership position in the 9th National Assembly, Yusuf Buba, has stepped down to support the candidature of Femi Gbajabiamila, who is the current majority leader of the the House of Representatives.

Buba said his decision was premised on the zoning arrangement of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of the principal officers of the National Assembly.

The lawmaker said it was in the spirit of fair play that he decided to step down given that the APC has zoned the office of the Senate president to the northeast.

Buba, who represents Gombi/Hong federal constituency in Adamawa, said that though he has the muscle and support to win the race, as a party man, he has no choice than to go with the decision of the party.

The APC has earlier zoned the office of the speaker to the southwest and endorsed Gbajabiamila for the position.

He said that all the six geo political zones have competent persons for any office in the country, describing zoning as arrangement to ensure every part of the country is represented.

Buba had in March declared his intention to run for the office of the speaker in the 9th Assembly.

He enjoined all his supporters to understand why he is stepping down and join hands to build a formidable leadership in the house. (NAN)

Some northern elements were plotting against Femi Gbajabiamila’s speakership bid.

It was reported that a source quoted in the report disclosed that the plot might not be unconnected with a political storm gathering against the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Gbajabiamila’s political godfather, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

Gbajabiamila, the current House Leader, is the front-runner for the Speakership seat, but the combination of zoning and godfather apron attachment is reportedly threatening his chances in the north.