Is Umar Nasko’s gubernatorial hope dashed?

By Oladapo Sofowora

Umar Mohammed Nasko is familiar to a lot of people, particularly in the political circle in North-central Niger State. Apart from being a notable politician, he was among the top functionaries in the government of the former governor of the state, Alhaji Aliyu Babangida. So, it was not surprising when he was endorsed and anointed by his former boss for the 2015 governorship election in the state.

Obviously because of his closeness to the former governor, many, including his friends and admirers, had seen him as the successor to Babangida. In order words, many had thought that Nasko, who was the People’s Democracy Party governorship candidate in the State, would coast home to victory. But this was not to be, as he lost to Abubakar Sani Bello, candidate of the opposition.

Shortly after the election, the former Commissioner of Tourism and Culture’s fame began to wane and his political structure almost crumbled before his very eyes. It will be recalled that towards the 2019 election, he again threw his cap into the ring and in no time gained back his lost popularity and defeated other heavyweights in the PDP, including a former Nigeria Ambassador to South Africa, Ambassador Ahmed Ibeto.

With this, he had hoped that his dream would be realized. But alas, it turned out to be another wild goose chase. He was left in the cold again as he lost at the polls for the second time.

While a source claimed that he is more interested in consolidating his philanthropic gestures towards his people, another said Nasko is gradually re- strategizing towards 2023 when the incumbent governor will have ended his two terms. Sources said his gubernatorial ambition might not see the light of the day again as the PDP was said to have zoned the ticket out of his senatorial district. “It is not the end of the road for his political ambition. He has tried twice and was quite unfortunate not to cruise home to victory. The PDP ticket is a rotational one and it has moved from his district. He has been offered a ticket to run as a senator but his main ambition is to govern the state. For now, he can’t fly under that ticket unless he defects which I doubt at this time”.

Nasko, who was Managing Partner at New Africa Investment Limited between 2001 and 2007, had served on various Boards and Committees in the State. He was the Commissioner of Tourism and Culture, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Ministry of Youth Development, Special Adviser on Tourism Matters, and Ministry of Environment, Parks, Gardens, and Forest Resources. He also served as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Niger State until December 2014.