The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, on Saturday launched his bid for a fifth term, drawing a mammoth crowd of constituents to the Mallawa Eid Ground in Zaria.
The declaration followed a solidarity walk that began at 2:30 p.m. at the Emir’s Palace and moved through Babban Dodo, Lemu, Kofar Doka, and Tudun Wada before arriving at the venue at about 4:30 p.m. Organisers said over 15,000 supporters joined the procession.
“Today, I formally declare my intention to seek another mandate to represent the good people of Zaria Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,” Abbas said. “This declaration is not based on promises alone. It is based on work. It is based on results. It is based on a record that our people can see and verify.”
Abbas, who joined the House in 2011, said his representation had produced “visible projects” and “measurable results” across Zaria Federal Constituency. He listed 74 bills sponsored, with 21 signed into law, saying the legislation was “aimed at solving problems and strengthening governance.”
On constituency interventions, the Speaker said farmers received tractors, fertilisers and agricultural equipment, while transport operators, youth groups, community leaders and small business owners were supported with 117 vehicles, 200 tricycles and 1,000 motorcycles.
“When our people needed direct economic support, we acted,” he said, adding that 2,400 beneficiaries received direct financial assistance. Of that number, 800 trained beneficiaries got N250,000 each, and 1,600 small business owners received N100,000 each. “That is practical representation. That is the kind of leadership our people deserve,” he stated.
In education, Abbas said he facilitated the N80 billion Education City project in Zaria and supported about 30,000 students through a N5 billion scholarship programme. He also cited rehabilitated schools and the establishment of additional institutions to expand access.
For healthcare, he pointed to the commissioning last week of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital, facilitated through constituency intervention with support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Primary healthcare centres have also been established across communities, he said.
On infrastructure, Abbas said roads, bridges and rural access projects had connected previously neglected communities to economic and social opportunities.
Recalling his election as Speaker of the 10th House with 353 votes, he said the House had introduced over 2,000 bills in less than two years, passed more than 180, and secured assent for over 50. “That is not routine performance. That is a legislature working with purpose and direction,” he said.
The Speaker thanked President Tinubu for “courage and determination” in leading reforms, and Governor Uba Sani for promoting peace and development in Kaduna State. He also acknowledged APC leaders at all levels, traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youth, traders, artisans and farmers for their support.
“Zaria Federal Constituency cannot afford to slow down. This constituency deserves experienced leadership… This is not the time for uncertainty. This is the time to consolidate the progress we have made together,” Abbas said.
The event was attended by APC stakeholders in Kaduna, who hailed the Speaker for what they described as qualitative representation.
In a statement signed by Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
