The recently elected Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Hon. Babayo Mohammed Akuyam, has pledged to relinquish his position for his predecessor, Abubakar Suleiman, following a court-ordered rerun in Suleiman’s constituency, which nullified his victory.
Reports confirmed the Court of Appeal’s decision to annul Suleiman’s win and call for a rerun in 10 polling units. Additionally, the court directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct fresh elections in nine polling units of Bauchi Central, affecting Suleiman’s Deputy, Jamilu Barade.
These legal challenges created a leadership vacuum in the Assembly, leading to the emergence of the recently elected Speaker.
However, the new Speaker, Babayo, expressed his willingness to step down should Suleiman return victorious after the rerun. In an interview at the Assembly complex, he assured journalists, stating, “As a man of honor, I will respectfully resign. It’s a commitment shared by all lawmakers. We unanimously agreed that if he reclaims his seat, I will willingly step down for him.”
” I will honorably resign and give him a chance because I’m a gentleman and honorable, so no problem. Anytime, God willing and allows him to return after the rerun, no problem.”
He emphasized his intention to uphold the agreement made with his colleagues, taking into account his age and position in the state’s political landscape.
