Discontent is reportedly growing in the House of Representatives following allegations that some lawmakers are plotting to move against Speaker Abbas Tajudeen over claims of being denied certain privileges.
The grievances, which have largely played out on lawmakers’ WhatsApp platforms, center on complaints of exclusion and neglect. Some lawmakers alleged they were sidelined in a recent National Assembly recruitment exercise, where 785 new staff were reportedly hired without their knowledge.
Frustration has also mounted over delays in payments to contractors handling constituency projects, with some members accusing the leadership of poor transparency and favoritism. They warned that the non-payment of contractors could hurt their chances of re-election in 2027.
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In addition, some lawmakers faulted what they described as the poor performance of the national budget, its selective implementation by the executive, and the worsening insecurity in the North.
However, the House leadership has dismissed reports of a plot against the Speaker.
In a statement on Sunday, House spokesman Akin Rotimi described the reports as “misleading and sensational,” stressing that informal exchanges on WhatsApp cannot be mistaken for official caucus resolutions.
Rotimi clarified that the recruitment exercise was conducted by the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC), an independent statutory body, and not by the House leadership. He added that Speaker Abbas had already directed the Committee on Public Service Matters to investigate the process.
“Contrary to insinuations of an impending showdown, the House remains united under Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. Informal conversations are normal in a vibrant democracy but cannot represent official positions,” Rotimi said.
He further explained that delayed contractor payments were a nationwide challenge, not peculiar to constituency projects, and that the Appropriations Committees were already engaging the Minister of Finance to clear outstanding 2024 obligations.
Rotimi stressed that the 10th Assembly has sustained unity despite Nigeria’s political, ethnic, and religious diversity, with consensus-building as its hallmark.
The House is expected to reconvene on September 23 after its annual recess.
