OPPOSITION REPS BACK TINUBU’S 2027 BID OVER ABBAS’ INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP – AGBESE

Some opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives are increasingly supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, attributing the development to the inclusive leadership style of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.

Agbese, a Labour Party lawmaker representing Ado/Ogbadigbo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency of Benue State, said Abbas had created an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual respect among lawmakers, regardless of their political affiliations.

Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Agbese explained that the Speaker's approach to managing the affairs of the 10th National Assembly had helped reduce political divisions and encouraged collaboration between members of the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties.

He noted that Abbas had ensured fair representation across party lines in the appointment of committee chairpersons, deputy chairpersons and members of important legislative committees.

According to Agbese, the Speaker's leadership has given lawmakers from different political platforms a sense of belonging and opportunities to contribute to legislative activities.

The Deputy Spokesperson argued that elected representatives should prioritise the interests of their constituents above party differences and support government policies capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.

He identified economic development, security, infrastructure, employment generation and improved living conditions as areas requiring cooperation between political parties and the executive arm of government.

Agbese maintained that the growing support for Tinubu among opposition lawmakers should not be viewed simply as party politics but also as a reflection of the cooperative atmosphere established under Abbas' leadership.

He added that inclusive governance and mutual respect would remain important in promoting national development as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.