A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) member, Taslim Dan-Wanki, has expressed strong disapproval over recent appointments made by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas. Dan-Wanki raised concerns about the decision to appoint over 600 members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as Senior Legislative Aides (SLAs), questioning the loyalty and political strategy behind such moves.
In a statement, Dan-Wanki emphasized that these appointments have alienated key APC stakeholders and potentially weakened the party’s position in the National Assembly. He warned that appointing opposition members to strategic legislative roles could compromise the APC’s ability to push its agenda effectively.
Dan-Wanki went further, describing the Speaker’s actions as a “betrayal” of the trust placed in him by the APC caucus. He cautioned that, if not addressed, these appointments could fragment the party and diminish its influence in legislative matters.
Hon. Abbas, elected Speaker in June 2023, had pledged a bipartisan approach to governance. However, the recent appointments of SLAs, many of whom reportedly belong to the PDP, have sparked backlash within the APC. Dan-Wanki pointed out that while the APC fought hard to secure a majority in the House, these appointments appear to prioritize opposition members over loyal party members, calling it “misplaced priorities.”
In defense, Abbas’ camp maintained that the appointments were made based on merit and the need for cooperation across party lines, emphasizing that effective governance requires a united House, regardless of political affiliation.
