House of Representatives member Yusuf Gagdi yesterday said President-elect Bola Tinubu can only succeed if his efforts are complemented by right thinking presiding officers of the National Assembly who share his vision for the country.
He said the next president needs prayers so that he can be surrounded by people who also mean well for Nigeria.
Gagdi, 41, said he deserved an endorsement for Speaker as the youngest aspirant in the race, adding that the move will foster youth inclusion in the next administration.
Declaring his bid for the Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly at Transcorps Hotel, Abuja, he said: “I am confident that our President-elect, a talent hinter, will take Nigeria to the promised land. I have the confidence that he will want me as partner.
“Tinubu can transform Nigeria into a world class economy, only if he is supported by those who mean well.”
He said the President-elect and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders should zone the slot to the Northcentral and adopt him as candidate.
Gagdi, former Deputy Speaker of Plateau House of Assembly, described himself as an experienced and competent lawmaker, who initiated 20 bills, six of which were assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said the ruling party should zone the position to the Northcentral, reminiscent of how the governors supported the push for presidential zoning to thd Southwest.
Gagdi urged the lawmakers-elect to be focused on electing a competent and experience person in national interest.
He said:”1 want you members elect to support me and see in me the prospect. As delegated of APC chose the presidential candidate, when the ticket was zoned to the Southwest, members of the House should elect the next Speaker from the Northcentral.”
Unfolding his reform plans, he said he will implement them faithfully as a man of honour and integrity.
He promised to promote debate on the floor around members of the ruling and opposition caucuses, irrespective of ethnicity and religion.
Gagdi promised to follow in the footsteps of the President-elect and outgoing Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, who he said were elected based on their antecedents.
He promised to be a servant leader and apostle of justice, if elected.
Urging the party to consider him as a youth fir the slot, Gagdi said:”Youths are used as vote canvassers and security for policing votes. When it comes to sharing, they are neglected. The next president, vice president, and possibly, the Senate President are above 50. The House of Representatives Speaker should be a youth.”