Reps dismiss alleged plot to challenge Abbas, say talk of showdown misleading

The house of representatives says reports suggesting internal divisions in the chamber do not represent the official position of the green chamber.

In a statement on Sunday, Akin Rotimi, the spokesperson of the house, said that members are free to share their views on both formal and informal platforms, but such remarks cannot be taken as binding resolutions.

Rotimi, chairman of the house committee on media and public affairs, was reacting to a report alleging that some lawmakers were plotting to confront Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker, when plenary resumes on September 23.

Some lawmakers were reported to be mobilising against the leadership over the recruitment of 785 new staff and delays in constituency project funding, while others voiced frustration with selective budget implementation and insecurity in the north.

The report also claimed that disgruntled members, venting on WhatsApp platforms, accused Abbas and the leadership of exploiting their loyalty and withholding privileges, warning that stalled projects could undermine their re-election chances in 2027.

Rotimi said the house remains united under Abbas, adding that with 360 members across political, ethnic, and religious lines, the chamber reflects the country’s diversity and has continued to resolve issues through “consensus building.”

He said informal conversations are normal in a democracy, but that official positions are reached only through parliamentary procedures, either by committees, caucus leaders, or debates involving the entire chamber.

Rotimi added that it is to Abbas’s credit that the 10th assembly has reached joint decisions on national matters while ensuring every member’s voice is heard.

On constituency projects, he said members are under pressure from constituents to deliver, explaining that delayed contractor payments are a national problem.

He added that the finance ministry has begun clearing the outstanding 2024 obligations.

He also said constituency projects are a way of extending government presence across the country, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, but cautioned against misrepresenting genuine concerns.

Rotimi explained that recruitment into the national assembly bureaucracy is the responsibility of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent body, adding that the leadership neither conducted nor controlled the exercise.

However, he said Abbas has asked the committee on public service matters, which oversees the NASC, to investigate the recruitment exercise and submit a report to the house.

“Contrary to insinuations of an impending ‘showdown’, the House remains united under the leadership of Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House,” the statement reads.

“With 360 members from every part of Nigeria, across diverse political, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, the House reflects the nation’s full heterogeneity.

“Honourable Members face pressure from constituents expecting nominated projects to be implemented in line with participatory development.

“The House operates on principles of equity, justice, and fairness. Internal disagreements are addressed through established parliamentary mechanisms, not speculative newspaper reports.”

Rotimi said while the report was “largely misleading”, it nonetheless highlighted members’ concerns about project delivery, job opportunities, and security, which remain the chamber’s legislative priorities.

He added that the house leadership is committed to transparency, inclusiveness, and fairness in carrying out its constitutional mandate of lawmaking, oversight, and representation.