A member of the House of Representatives from Kwara State, AbdulRaheem Olawuyi, has officially declared his bid to become the Speaker of the House in the coming 10th National Assembly.

Olawuyi, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress representing Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Constituency in Kwara, while addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, said he knew the challenges facing Nigeria and how to address them through legislation.

The lawmaker, who was reelected for a third term in the House, titled his address ‘Hope Alive.’

No fewer than nine reelected members of the House are eyeing the seat of Speaker in the 10th National Assembly.

This is in spite of the fact that the incumbent Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, has also been reelected for a sixth term in the next House.

The 10th National Assembly is expected to be inaugurated in June.

The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Abubakar Yalleman, had last week declared his ambition to become the next Speaker.

Other lawmakers who are believed to be eyeing the Speaker seat include the current Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Wase; embattled Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa; Chairman of the House Committee on Navy, Yusuf Gagdi; Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations, Aliyu Betara; Chairman, House Committee on Science Research Institutes, Olaide Akinremi; Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Benjamin Kalu; and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Land Transport, Tajudeen Abbas.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Olawuyi said, “I stand before you today to officially declare my candidacy for the office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.

“As many of you have noticed, our country is facing unprecedented challenges at this time. The challenges range from security to the economic downturn, which has been unprecedented in the history of our nation.

“My aspiration is built on principles that I believe are essential to guiding the House of Representatives through these challenging times.”