By Oluwakemi Kindness
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has officially declared his intention to seek a fifth term representing Zaria Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
The declaration drew a massive crowd of supporters and political stakeholders to the high-profile rally in Kaduna State.
The declaration ceremony, held at the Mallawa Eid Ground in Zaria on Saturday, attracted thousands of supporters, party loyalists, youth groups, women associations, and APC stakeholders in what observers described as one of the largest political gatherings in the constituency ahead of the 2027 elections.
Before the event, more than 15,000 supporters reportedly participated in a solidarity walk from the Emir’s Palace through major parts of Zaria, including Babban Dodo, Lemu, Kofar Doka, and Tudun Wada, before arriving at the rally ground.
Speaking during the event, Abbas said his re-election bid is built on “visible projects and measurable results” achieved since he first entered the House of Representatives in 2011.
“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,” the Speaker stated.
Abbas Lists Constituency Projects in Zaria
The Speaker highlighted several constituency projects and empowerment programmes executed across Zaria and Sabon Gari, saying his representation had focused on practical development and grassroots impact.
According to him, beneficiaries across the constituency received tractors, fertilisers, motorcycles, tricycles, and vehicles aimed at boosting agriculture, transportation, and small businesses.
Abbas disclosed that 117 vehicles, 200 tricycles, and 1,000 motorcycles were distributed to various groups, including youth organisations, community leaders, religious stakeholders, and party structures.
He also revealed that 2,400 beneficiaries received direct financial support through empowerment schemes, with 800 trained beneficiaries receiving N250,000 each, while another 1,600 small business owners got N100,000 each.
“That is practical representation. That is the kind of leadership our people deserve,” he said.
Speaker Abbas Highlights Education, Healthcare Achievements
On education, Abbas pointed to the establishment of an N80 billion Education City project in Zaria, describing it as a major investment in the future of Northern Nigeria.
He added that about 30,000 students benefited from a N5 billion scholarship programme facilitated through his office.
The Speaker also highlighted interventions in the healthcare sector, including the recent commissioning of a 100-bed Specialist Hospital facilitated through constituency intervention efforts with support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said several primary healthcare centres were also facilitated across communities to improve access to medical services.
Abbas Defends Legislative Record as Speaker
Abbas defended his performance both as a lawmaker and as Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, noting that he sponsored 74 bills before becoming Speaker, with 21 signed into law.
He further stated that under his leadership, the House had considered over 2,000 bills within less than two years, passing more than 180 bills, while over 50 had already received presidential assent.
The Speaker said the House had strengthened laws on security, expanded access to education through the student loan scheme, and processed major economic reform legislation.
Speaker Abbas Praises Tinubu, Uba Sani
During the rally, Abbas praised President Tinubu for implementing what he described as “difficult but necessary reforms” aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy.
He also commended Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani for promoting peace, stability, and development across the state.
Several APC leaders and stakeholders at the event reportedly hailed Abbas for what they described as impactful representation and effective leadership in the National Assembly.
