The Association of Northern Political Correspondent Forum (ANPCF) has called on Hon Murtar Aliyu Betara and other contestants for the seat of the Speaker of the House of Representatives to honour the party’s decision on zoning.
The APC had earlier settled for Hon Tajudeen Abbas for the office of speaker and Sen Godswill Akpabio for the office of the Senate President and the Chairman of the National Assembly.
Even though the lawmakers will still vote for their leaders despite the endorsement, ANPCF said Betara and other contestants should consider the implications of not respecting the party.
In a statement issued by the president of the Forum Chris Alu in Abuja, said Betara decision might spell doom if he pushes through with his plans.
Hon Murtar Aliyu Betara on Monday made his decision known by officially declaring to run for the speaker of the 10th National Assembly, shortly after APC National working committee had zone the position to North West and picked Hon. Tajudeen Abbas as its candidate for the speaker.
But the group said Betara declaration for speakership was in order but warned him to rescind his decision and find possible ways of negotiating so that he will not end up in shame.
The group said the decision of the party supersedes any other decision adding that it should be respected by all members.
The statement said Betara should not go against the wishes of his Governor and the vice President-elect who are stakeholders and loyalists to the decisions of the party.
According to the statement, Betara should trade with cushion and not allow friends to mislead him so that he will not end up in limbo, by destroying his heart earned reputation.
It therefore advised Betara to respect the collective decision of the party and bargain for what he now wants for him to have a balanced and healthy regime under president Ahmed Tinubu instead of creating a crisis in the house.
The group warned that his action if not controlled will led to a crisis between the lawmakers and the executive that will bring division among the party and the opposition, the statement added.
It therefore advised Betara to step down for Abbas and support him to win the speaker of the house of representatives.
The group said Betara should note that the South West, South East and South South will form an alliance against him should he continue with his plans and the north where he is drawing his strength from, will be divided and if he eventually loses he will end up a lone ranger and his political career will finish.
