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Tag: Aspirants

  • Benue APC assurs aspirants of equal opportunity

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has promised to give all aspirants equal playing ground ahead of the 2019 elections.  Deputy Chairman Prof. Kpamor J.T Orkar spoke when he received former Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Titus Zam.

    Zam was there to seek permission from the State Working Committee to contest for governor on the party’s platform.

    Prof. Orkar said the party was not badly affected as most of the people who defected were not card-carrying members, but a splinter group from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who cross-carpeted with Ortom.

    He maintained that APC was fully on ground in Benue before the governor was foisted on it, but said the working committee will not risk a repeat of the 2014 primaries. It will rather harness from its competent pool of members to arrive at a credible candidate that will recover its mandate in 2019.

    Orkar said the party zoned the governorship to Zone B and MINDA intermediate area in particular for eight years, but now that the holder of its mandate has left the party, another MINDA candidate will be allowed to complete the eight years.

    Zam said the party remains his immediate constituency and he felt more pleased seeking its permission first before embarking on his electoral journey.

    He sympathised with the party over the ill treatment it received in the hands Ortom who was given the party platform without sweat; but insisted it was time for the MINDA people to get it right this time and he has availed himself in that regard.

     

  • Motley crowd of aspirants jostle for Ogun 2019

    The next governorship election in Ogun State promises to be an interesting contest. Over 18 aspirants from different platforms are seriously jostling to take Governor Ibikunle Amosun’s job, come 2019. Correspondent ERNEST NWOKOLO examines the relative strengths and weaknesses of the aspirants and their political platforms.

    LESS than a year to the general elections, over 18 of aspirants cutting across major political parties and senatorial districts across Ogun State are already jostling to succeed Governor Ibikunle Amosun, whose second term tenure will end on May 29, 2019.

    Some of the major contenders are: Speaker Suraj Adekunbi (Ogun West), Amosun’s Chief of staff, Tolu Odebiyi (Ogun West) and Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West). The list also includes former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (Ogun West) is aspiring to succeed Amosun; House of Representatives member, Ladi Adebutu (Ogun East), who represents Remo North, Sagamu and Ikenne Federal Constituency at the National Assembly; Commissioner for Commerce Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (Ogun East) and Otunba Rotimi Paseda who hails from Omu-Ijebu.

    Others are: Jimi Lawal who hails from Ijebu-Ode; Temitope Kuyebi, who wants to run on APC platform; and Prince Adeleke Tella, another aspirant on the platform of the APC.

    The aspirants have their relative areas of strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Bimbo Ashiru, a technocrat, joined Amosun’s government right from inception in 2011 and may have a pool of goodwill on his side. He also appears to have some integrity. But he rarely talks about politics and it is not clear if the promoters of Ijebu Agenda for 2019 have him in mind. Nevertheless, the commissioner appears to be doing well in his job; at least he has continued to attract investors to the state.

    It is equally left to be seen if Ashiru enjoys a wide acceptance from his Ogun East constituency. His people say he is not their best foot forward for the governorship office in 2019. His aspiration is also not helped by the fact that other zones do not agree with the notion that an Ijebu person should aspire to become governor in 2019. This is mainly because the Yewa/Awori axis of the state has not had a chance since the state was founded over four decades ago to occupy the position.

    Adebutu, comes from the same constituency with Ashiru, has on his part not concealed his ambition to govern Ogun in 2019. This son of a billionaire philanthropist, Sir Kensington Adebutu, controls a faction of the PDP which has also zoned its governorship ticket to the Ogun East and Ladi is expected to be the beneficiary when the race begins in earnest.

    The federal legislator who is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Rural Development is adjudged to be credible, not controversial and has the financial strength to help the PDP return to power in 2019. But his albatross is the crippling crisis in Ogun PDP, which has proved intractable.

    The national body seemed favourably disposed to the Sikirulai Ogundele-led faction of the party, which Adebutu belongs to. But the Bayo Dayo-led group considers itself the authentic faction of the party. This is a challenge to Adebutu’s ambition. The lawmaker also has the clamour by the Yewa/Awori axis, otherwise known as Ogun West district, to produce the governor in 2019 to contend with.

    Paseda has been striving to become governor on the platform of the revived Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). He first contested for the seat in 2011 and later in 2015, but lost in both instances to the incumbent governor.

    He however remains undaunted. It is not in doubt that the aspirant has the good of the state at heart. In fact, the poor and less privilege constitute the bulk of his support base. But this has not translated to electoral victory for him.

    Paseda is the sole financier of the UPN in the state. His biggest drawback is that the party has not been able to attract heavyweight politicians that could join forces with him to actualise his governorship ambition.

    Lawal is one of the governorship aspirants from Ogun East district on the platform of the APC. The former chairman of Alpha Merchant Bank Limited is also currently a Special Adviser to Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State. He believes he is more qualified and accepted in Ijebu than any other aspirant from the area.

    But his influence or popularity is not yet felt beyond Ijebuland.

    Odebiyi is son of the late politician, Chief Jonathan Odebiyi. He hails from Iboro community in Iju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) that was excised from the Yewa North Local Government Area. The 55-year old Chief of Staff to Governor Amosun was once a member of the State Judicial Service Commission and Transition Committee on Housing. He is a real estate player of international repute.

    Odebiyi is believed to have been brought in by Amosun to understudy the system — politics, governance and the intrigues — at a close range in the hope of becoming his likely successor.

    But, many see him as a political neophyte who is not keen in adapting to the Nigerian way of doing politics. Some frown at his air of arrogance and the elitism he flaunts with less disguise, which they believe could make him inaccessible to the people, if he is supported to climb the ladder of power.

    But he also cuts the picture of man who can assert himself and capable of summoning the strong political will to follow through with whatever good intention he has for the state and the people.

    At a time, Odebiyi’s name was being bandied as the likely successor to Amosun.  Unconfirmed reports had it that his main backer, the governor, had even resorted to shopping for another candidate, because of the notion that Odebiyi may not enjoy a statewide acceptance. But observers believe that the governor has changed his mind in this regard, by giving the Odebiyi option some semblance of a positive thought.

    Should this favourable disposition persist, he may clinch the APC ticket; more so when he hailed from Ogun West, an area yet to produce a governor.

    Speaker Suraj Adekunbi is from Aiyetoro, the headquarters of Yewa North Local Government Area. He is a faithful ally of Governor Amosun and banks on the renewed strident clamour for “Yewa-for-governor” as an opportunity to aspire for the governorship seat in the hope that he might be the lucky one, if the party goes ahead with the idea of zoning the ticket to the area in 2019.

    The Speaker has been consulting quietly and widely in respect of his governorship aspiration, while his foot soldiers have continued to market him openly and clandestinely in many quarters.

    Adekunbi, 43, has age is on his side at a time the clamour for the young blood to take the mantle of leadership at all levels of governance in the country is rife. He believes he enjoys the support of the Egbas and Ijebus, which might be pivotal to the success of his aspiration.

    By virtue of his office as Speaker, coupled with his closeness to the governor, Adekunbi is largely perceived as someone who has gotten more than a passing knowledge of the intricacies of governance at that level.

    It is believed that such experience is valuable to a would-be governor. But, beyond that, a good number of people consider Adekunbi weak and pliable in the hands of the executive. He is not known to disagree with Governor Amosun on any issue and it is being counted as a serious disadvantage in some quarters.

    Adeola, who represents Lagos West at the uppere chamber of the National Assembly, has become a household name with his 2019 governorship aspiration. The senator who is popularly called Yayi appears to be the one of the favourites in the eyes of the people, as far as actualising Ogun West’s long quest for the number one office is concerned.

    He is well accepted in every zone, but his absence during the recent party congresses in the state has made observers to start wondering if he is still in the race for the governorship.

    But his media aide, Chief Kayode Odunaro, maintains that Adeola is still committed to his aspiration to govern the state, but is consulting widely across board in respect of it. Besides, Odunaro says Adeola is a senator representing Lagos West and cannot leave that constituency unattended to during the party congresses there.

    The senator’s strength, the aide added, lies in his experience as a politician, lawmaking, faith in God and the good people of Ogun State, as well as genuine intention to drive development across the state.

    He said: “He intends to re-invent governance in the state, reverse the pitiable fortune of the local governments through massive rural development, youth empowerment, food subsidies, investment in education among others, if given the chance.”

    Adeola is notorious for always saying only God and the people that can determine who becomes governor of the Gateway State in 2019.

    Isiaka, who is popularly known as GNI, has contested the governorship twice, in 2011 and 2015, on two different platforms. He was compelled to contest on the platform of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in 2011, when he lost out in the race for the PDP ticket. But in 2015, he is aspiring on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

    This time around his ambition to govern the Gateway State is unabated. Indeed, Isiaka has tested his political might on the field twice and made impressive showings on those occasions, even though he did not emerge victorious.

    GNI now has a quantum of experience on his side and is a familiar political brand in the state. He is a technocrat, intelligent, cool headed, youthful and hails from Ogun West, which is favoured by zoning to produce the next governor of the state. He was the pioneer Group Managing Director of Gateway Holdings Limited (GHL), the investment company of Ogun State government.

    The agitation is rife today for the Ogun West people to produce the next governor in the spirit of equity, justice and fairness and the political wind seemed to be blowing in that direction of power shift.

    All of these represent huge political asset, and if harnessed effectively, could place GNI miles ahead of others politically in 2019.

    It can be said that Isiaka has no personal fault or baggage. His aspiration in the past was affected by bouts of inherited political prejudice that often come from his sponsor(s) and the legendary lack of unity of the Ogun West. But, this time around, such prejudices and lack of unity seem to have disappeared.

    Ogun West district appears to be more united today than ever before, to speak with one voice in respect of the 2019 governorship and Isiaka may run on a clean slate and on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), to actualise his governorship dream.

    Kuyebi, a progressive politician, began his political career over a decade ago with the Alliance for Democracy (AD).

    He joined the governorship race recently on the platform of the APC, declaring that 2019 is his auspicious year to govern the state. He hails from Imasayi town in Ogun West Senatorial district and enjoys the support of the people.

    Kuyebi is one politician that had made more sacrifices in the past in the interest of the party and it is believed that the time is ripe for him to reap the benefits of his attitude of consistently listening to the party elders and working for the harmony, peace and progress of the party.

    He was the first consensus candidate that was unanimously presented to contest for the governorship seat from Ogun West in 2011 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). But, despite the popular yearning of his people for him to contest the seat at the time, he stepped down for Senator Ibikunle Amosun that year on the directive of the party leaders.

    Kuyebi also tried contesting for the ticket of the Ogun West senatorial seat in 2015. But, again, he was asked to step down for Senator Gbolahan Dada, who currently represents the district.

    If there is reward for party loyalty, his supporters are hoping that Kuyebi would get the APC ticket for the 2019 governorship.

    He utilizes his foundation, Temitope Foundation, as the vehicle for grassroots mobilization to actualise his political ambition.

    Tella is a strong contender that Ogun West should produce the next governor, but he believes that the royal blessing and support of other zones should be courted to ensure success. But it is not clear if the founder of Tribute Television has enough money to back his aspiration.

    But, Tella believes that he will leverage on his creativity and innovative spirit to tackle hunger, massive job creation through agriculture and the creative industry, if he gets the people’s mandate.

    He hails from Ilaro, in Yewa South and possesses grassroots mobilization skills. He is also one politician from Ogun West who is of the firm conviction that the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Alake of Egba Oba Adedotun Gbadebo,  the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Tunde and Olu of Ilaro and ruler of Yewa Oba Kehinde Olugbenle have roles to play to help Yewa – Awori people achieve their dream of producing the next governor.

    Other aspirants jostling to become the next governor include the commissioner for Forestry, Kola Lawal (Ogun West); Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Bashorun Muyiwa Oladipo (Ogun East); former Speaker of the House of  Representatives, Dimeji Bankole (Ogun Central); Abayomi Hunye (Ogun West); Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Rotimi Rahmon (Ogun West); Hon. Abiodun Akinlade (Ogun West); Hon. Adekunle Akinlade (Ogun West); and Abayomi Hunye (Ogun West). They are all said to be separately consulting across the state for advice and support.

     

  • ‘Aspirants should get level-playing field’

    All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant Dr. SKC Ogbonnia has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants in the run-up to the presidential primaries.

    Ogbonnia, in a statement yesterday, was concerned about what he described as the “partisan attitude of some party and government officials”, who use their offices to push the president’s aspiration to the disadvantage of other aspirants.

    His assertion followed the appointment of a serving minister, Rotimi Amaechi, as the president’s campaign manager and last Tuesday’s solidarity visit to the president of the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), under the patronage of Customs boss, Col Hammed Ali (rtd).

    Ogbonnia, one of about three aspirants contending with President Buhari for the APC presidential ticket, lauded his supporters for their orderly conduct during the congresses.

    The statement reads: “I must laud President Muhammadu Buhari for the continuing pledge not to meddle with party affairs. Yet, his actions should speak louder than words. I am concerned that, by design or default, Mr. Buhari has continued to allow some of his appointees and party leaders double as his campaign officials, especially at a time where the president has primary opponents.

    “To achieve true internal party democracy, which our great party professes, party leaders, government officials and public agencies should appear neutral, even if they are at the mercy of government in power. A progressive party seeking ‘equity must come with clean hands.

  • Akwa Ibom governorship: Uyo zone shuts out other aspirants for Emmanuel

    THE electorate in the 10 local government areas making up Uyo

    senatorial district have declared that they will only vote for Governor Udom Emmanuel in 2019.

    The district, which comprises Uyo, Ibesikpo Asutan, Uruan, Itu, Etinan, Nsit Ubium, Nsit Ibom, Ibiono Ibom, and Nsit Atai, is said to have the highest voting strength in the state.

    Thousands of supporters from the zone joined elders and leaders to adopt Emmanuel at the endorsement rally at the Uyo Township Stadium.

    They said it was fair  to support Emmanuel from Eket district to complete eight years as was the case with Uyo and Ikot Ekpene senatorial districts.

    In his speech, the political leader of Uyo senatorial district and former Military administrator, Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga assured Emmanuel that the people would stand by him to actualise his second term ambition.

    Nkanga, who chaired the occasion, said: “If Uyo Senatorial district, through Obong Victor Attah served as governor for eight years, Chief Godswill Akpabio, from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial district also served for eight years, it is fair and just that Governor Udom Emmanuel, from Eket Senatorial District, continue till 2023.

    “Students of Akwa Ibom political history will very readily attest to the fact that political direction in our clime is often the outcome of the understanding among stakeholders across the state.

    ” And needless to say that because of the insightful political antecedents as a senatorial district, our compatriots from other senatorial districts have learnt to align with the prepositions that we take in Uyo Senatorial district.

    “Therefore, it is natural that we have taken a lead in critically considering the second term aspiration of our dear Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel. As a people, we believe in fairness, and we put forward strong argument to support whatever position we take in the best interest of our state”

    State Chairman of PDP Obong Paul Ekpo said: “I want to stay here and assure my people that in the year that brought the governor in 2015 I did not in any way waiver and so come 2019 , it is going to be a repeat performance.

    “And my government has always been that of commitment, that of loyalty and that of success. I will not do otherwise. We concur with your endorsement. I will prepare a memo with the party letterhead and in that memo you will be the sole candidate for the PDP in Akwa Ibom State”

    Also aligning with other speakers from his senatorial district, Senator Effiong Bob said, “There is no substitution in politics of today, so we won’t substitute you in 2019 election because it’s two terms for each governor”

    Senate Minority Leader Godswill Akpabio  thanked the people of Uyo for their support.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Aspirants give conditions to support Nwosu

    Some governorship aspirants in Imo State have given conditions have agreed to jettison their ambitions and support Uche Nwosu.

    They, however, gave conditions to that effect.

    It was gathered that the aspirant’s decision may not be unconnected to the outcome of the tensed meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) last Sunday.

    A top party official, who pleaded for anonymity, confirmed that most of the aspirants have shown interest in supporting Nwosu who has been endorsed in nearly all the 27 councils.

    He, however, denied rumours that the aspirants made personal demands as condition for stepping down. “Our governorship aspirants are all established and successful people, and well known in the society. So their decision was taken in the best interest of the party and not for any pecuniary reason. Remember that we are going for an election and we need to go with our best if we must win,” he said.

    He added: “The step was also taken by the aspirants as a mark of respect for the governor, who they know means well for the party. None of them was pressurised into taking the decision. We are still hoping that at the end of the day, other aspirants will see the need for the decision.”

    But The Nation gathered that some of the conditions listed by the aspirants include reimbursement of the monies spent so far on servicing the party, and an opportunity to nominate people into key positions in the government that will be formed thereafter.

    Efforts to reach the state Chairman, Hillary Eke, were unsuccessful.

  • Ondo House of Reps aspirants worried over deplorable roads

    Ondo House of Reps aspirants worried over deplorable roads

    House of Representative aspirant for the Federal Akoko North East /West federal constituency seat, Ondo State is worried over the deplorable state of roads, insecurity and poor electricity supply in Akoko area.

    The aspirant, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, from Oke-Agbe lamented that the Akoko area of Ondo State was becoming a corridor and being cut off from other parts of the state.

    Tunji-Ojo, who is a management consultant, also lamented the level of insecurity in Akoko where kidnappings have become very rampant.

    He urged the Federal Government to pay attention to the deplorable state roads in his constituency.

    On his foray into politics, Tunji-Ojo said a desire to turn things around for his people and his poor background informed his interest in seeking political office.

    He urged those who have accomplished in various fields of endevour to show interest in partisan politics, warning that leaving the game to mediocre players would be counter-productive.

    According to him, holding a political office would broaden his scope to assist the society, more than what he has been given back to his immediate community.

    He said his ambition was not driven for pecks of office, but for the zeal to serve as a role model for up-coming generations.

    The aspirant anchored his focus on three ‘Rs’ which he explained as Restoration, Revitalisation and Re-engineering of social minds.

    Admitting that the position of a legislator has no provision for executive powers and approving authority for projects, Tunji-Ojo said that aspiration to elective office must be driven by the desire to serve.

    His words: “I know what it takes to be nowhere and also what it takes to be somewhere”.

    Noting that the affected roads belong to the Federal Government, he described Akoko as the gateway to Edo State and the northern part of the country through Kogi State.

  • Aspirants: Strengths and weaknesses

    Aspirants: Strengths and weaknesses

    BRAHIM Shekarau

    If age factor eventually takes the prime position in the search for the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2019 elections, following former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida’s recent letters, analysts said Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau would be one of the leading aspirants that would befavoured.

    Born November 5, 1955, he would still be a little below 64when the election would hold.

    He also boasts of ample experience in bureaucracy, party politics and governance.A mathematics graduate of Ahmadu Bello University and career civil servant, Shekarau rose through the ranks, from a mathematics teacher, School Principal to Director-General (Permanent Secretary), Ministry of Education and Youth Development.

    A former Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Shekarau served as a two-term Governor of Kano State.

    A long standing member of thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP), Shekarau’s ambition to vie for the presidential seat dates back to the 2011 electioneering period. Since then, his name has continued to crop-up whenever the party seeks candidates for the topmost job. The search for the 2019 candidate has commenced and Shekarau’s name is also one of the most mentioned.

    Coming from the most populous state in the North-West, the same zone with the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari, who is likely to fly the ruling All Progressives Congress’ flag, some analyst said Shekarau’s candidacy would give the opposition PDP some basic advantage as the two leading parties would, under such circumstance, share what was a chunk and decisive vote for Buhari in 2015.

    But some Shekarau’s critics allege that his candidacy may be attacked by opponents who may play religious card. According to them, such critics insist that his candidacy may not be quite appealing to Christians, especially some Northern Christians, who see him as “rather extreme.”Insisting that he would not be more appealing than Buhari, such critics recalled when Shekarau, as governor, openly opposed polio vaccination campaign on the grounds that it was an attempt to make Muslim women infertile. That position, a source claimed, made Shekarau rather controversial, especially because the World Health Organisation felt threatened by his claims then and was therefore forced to deny his allegation formally. “Closely linked to this was Shekarau’s relentless campaign for and drive towards the creation of the local religious police, known as the ‘Hisbah Guard’, which of course enforced Sharia law when he was governor,” the source said,

    Not all informed political analysts dismiss Shekarau’s candidacy in that manner. A PDP youth leader from Kano said Shekarau is one of the few aspirants with wide connections in the south. According to him, “he is considered as a strong leader by those who know him. Given his passion and dynamism, a lot of PDP youth leaders in the south and the north think he is the type of leader that can contest against Buhari, the likely APC candidate,” he said.

    Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo

    So far, Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo is perhaps one of the most favoured by the current campaign for a youthful presidential candidate within PDP. Born April 4, 1962, the Governor of Gombe State is still in his mid-50s. Considering suggestions in President Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida’srecent letters, such an age is what is needed for a more dynamic leadership in Nigeria of the future.

    As a result, many observers of the current political campaigns said a Dankwambo’s candidacy may be possible given that he would appeal both to the youths and the elderly who have taken the lead to campaign for younger leaders.

    A financial expert, who enjoyed the rare privilege of serving first as the Accountant-General of his state, Gombe, before he was later appointed the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dankwambo, who has a PhD in accounting from Igbinedion University, boasts of brilliant professional career since his days with Coopers & Lybrand in 1985 and at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between 1988 and 1999.

    His political exploit has also been brilliant. When he joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared interest for the 2011 governorship race, some observers dismissed him as a dark horse with little or no political experience. He however shocked bookmakers when he defeated more politically experienced opponents to emerge the Executive Governor of Gombe State. He won 596,481 votes, ahead of Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) with 91,781 votes and Senator Sa’idu Umar Kumo of the All Nigeria People’s Party with 84,959 votes.

    This background notwithstanding, Dankwambo’s presidential ambition is still being dismissed by some observers who allege that he does not have the needed political reach and influence to make the required impact in 2019 Presidential Election. “Dankwambo may have risen so rapidly in his home Gombe State, but you and I know that the presidency is a different ball game. Who knows Dankwambo in the South-East, South-West and South-South? He is little known to win the presidency for PDP against aBuhari. Let’s be realistic please. I agree he is relatively young and may as a result gain the sympathy of enlightened youths, but does he have enough friends across the country, I mean, does he know the political leaders in other communities outside Gombe and the North? Does he have political structure and the charisma that is needed to confront an incumbent president? That is what PDP or any opposition party will need to effectively defeat APC, especially if President Buhari still flies the party’s flag in the 2019 election,” said Engr. Solomon Idema, a company executive in Lagos who described himself as a community leader in Oturkpo, Benue State.

    Such impression notwithstanding, The Nation investigation shows that Dankwambo may be considered by some as rather silent but he has become very influential within the PDP and in Nigerian political theatre in general, especially in the calculations ahead 2019 elections. As the only PDP governor in the North, Dankwambo today enjoys special honour and consideration, both within his party and the other political parties interested in luring him over to their side. This, according to an insider, has made him a beautiful bride of some sort. However, it still needs to be seenhow far this advantage will take the Gombe State Governor in the race for the 2019 presidential ticket.

    Ahmed Makarfi

    Born August 8, 1956, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfiwould be 63 in 2019 and so may not be considered too old to vie for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Perhaps because of experience in Nigerian politics, some analysts concluded that Makarfi has been in the system for too long and as such may not be one of the fresh and young minds Obasanjo and Babangidahad in mind in their ideal crop of politicians that should take over from Buhari.

    A former Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, two termGovernor of Kaduna State and Senator, Makarfi has immense political experience and is one of the few presidential hopefuls that can confidently boast of having visible political friends across the country.

    An accountant, Makarfi’s recent handling of the PDP leadership crisis both during his tenure as National Chairman and when his rival, Senator Modu Sheriff, was made to take over, will go a long way in determining his assessment for the plum office of president.

    Sule Lamido

    AlhajiSuleLamido is one of the top PDP chieftains whose names are being touted as major aspirants for the party’s 2019 presidential ticket. Born in August 30, 1948, political analysts however said he is one of the powerful aspirants who are not favoured by the age factor currently pushed to the front burner by former Presidents Obasanjo and Babangida. This is because when the 2019 Elections would be held, Lamido would be over 70.

    A colourful politician, he began his political career from the right ideology as he pitched his tent with the AbubakarRimi-led People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in the Second Republic.His image as a radical politician probably peaked when he was imprisoned in 1998 by the late Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, for “criticisingthe military junta’s plan to perpetuate himself in office.”

    But by the time President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed Lamidoas the country’s Foreign Affairs Minister in June 1999, the Jigawa-born politician had acquired a more matured and complex political image.For example, his appointment then was described by some insiders as the beginning of Lamido’s departure from the direct influence of his patron, Rimi. It would be recalled that Lamido’s appointment came at the time Rimiwas reportedly tipped for the same job of Foreign Affairs Minister.

    Lamido was elected Governor of Jigawa State in 2007and was re-elected in 2011.

    Besides the age factor, another issue that may negatively affect Lamido’s quest is his long battles with the anti-corruption agency.

    It would be recalled that in 2015, he and his sons were put on trial following allegation of corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    These challenges apart, his critics and supporters alike agree that Lamido has enough political experience for the top job. His diplomatic foray is also considered an important advantage as he would be a known face in international politics.

    Atiku Abubakar

    Of all the aspirants so far mentioned by analysts for the PDP ticket, AlhajiAtikuAbubakar, is generally described as the most experienced and capable of giving the incumbent president and his party a good fight. A former Vice-President of Nigeria all through the two-term tenure of former president Obasanjo, Atiku is easily cited as one of Nigeria’s current most powerful politician.

    However, he is perhaps the first aspirant that comes to mind when the two former presidents harped on the need not to allow any ‘old’ politician to succeed Buhari.

    Born     November 25, 1946, Atiku is already 73 and is therefore not favoured by the theory of youthful president being championed by the likes of Obasanjo and Babangida.

    After his 20 years career in Nigeria Customs Service, where he rose to become the Deputy Director, as the second highest position in the Service was then known, he took up business and politics. As a politician, he rode to prominence on the political platform known as PDM, which was led by AlhajiShehu Musa Yar’Adua.

    He was elected Governor of Adamawa Statein 1998 but while he was still Governor-Elect he was selected by the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate. The two went on to win the elections in February 1999, and sohe emerged as Nigeria’s second democratically elected Vice President on 29 May 1999. Considered a very influential Vice-President, especially during the first term, as the second term was marked with turbulent relationship with Obasanjo, Atiku has remained a powerful political figure ever since then.

    He has also left no one in doubt that his ultimate ambition is to emerge the elected President of Nigeria. Both observers and informed insiders said he has the means, the structure the reach, followers across the country and the drive to undertake a successful presidential campaign.

    But as his strength has become public knowledge so also the solid opposition by some powerful political leaders, who seem determined to ensure he was never elected president. Added to the current campaign against a president in his 70s, Atiku would need to fight hard to overcome the powerful forces against his presidential ambition in 2019.

     

  • Oyo APC: eight aspirants for governor

    Oyo APC: eight aspirants for governor

    The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Party (APC) has said only eight aspirants have shown interest in next year’s governorship race.

    Over 15 APC aspirants are currently jostling to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

    The Nation gathered that only eight of the aspirants had visited the party’s secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital, to express their intention to contest the election.

    Those who have informed the party include Deputy Governor Moses Alake-Adeyemo; legal icon, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); former Commissioner for Works Dr Yunus Akintunde; Communication Minister Adebayo Shittu; Senator Fatai Buhari; Aderemi Olaniyan; Dr Kola Balogun and Mr Akeem Agbaje.

    The party officials said the other aspirants were merely exercising their rights to contest election.

    According to them, APC is not yet aware of their ambition to contest the governorship race.

    Other aspirants are: former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Survey, Mr Ajiboye Omodewu; his Health counterpart, Dr Azeez Adeduntan; Prof. Adeolu Akande; Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Bayo Adelabu and Senator Adesoji Akanbi.

    While many of the aspirants hail from Ibadan and Oke-Ogun areas of the state, Alao-Akala and Buhari hail from Ogbomoso. Only Dr Akintunde hails from Oyo.

    The party is currently preparing for a local government election on May 12.

  • Buhari to youths: watch character of aspirants

    Buhari to youths: watch character of aspirants

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday urged the youth to be concerned about the character of those who aspire to lead Nigeira. He said they should offer themselves for service.

    “Being apolitical, ultimately, does you no good as political leaders make decisions that affect you in many ways. As such, you should be concerned about the character of those who aspire to lead you, just as I urge you to offer yourselves to serve where possible. “

    Yesterday’s admonition by the President came as the race for the general elections next year gather steam following last week’s “special press statement” by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, which has generated a flurry of political activities, including  Wednesday’s  inauguration of the Obasanjo-promoted Coalition for Nigeria Movement in Abuja.

    President Buhari, represented by a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University  (ABU),  Prof. Shehu Abdullahi, told graduands at the 27th Convocation of the Federal University of Nigeria, Minna, the Niger State capital, of the need for mentorship of upcoming leaders to teach them the right thing.  ”It has become imperative as we mentor those who aspire to succeed us as the leaders of a better Nigerian,” he said.

    Buhari described the youth as the greatest resource of the nation and urged them not to lose hope but to continue the journey of greatness they are destined for.

    He urged specialised universities to key into the focus of government on the provision of infrastructure, agricultural and solid minerals development by positioning relevant programmes and faculties.

    Buhari advised the youth to join the anti-corruption crusade.

    “I assure Nigerians of our commitment to fighting corruption within the ambit of the law.

    “However, we need the support of the youth and the entire citizenry to succeed.

    “To this end, I implore all students, most especially the graduands, to rededicate themselves as ambassadors in this moral crusade,” he said.

    Buhari said his administration was determined to address the challenges facing education sector, saying, “it is in this direction that we released N23 billion for the payment of allowances to staff”.

    Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdullahi Bala, said 3,741 graduands were conferred with various degrees and diplomas.

    Bala said of the figure, 3,096 received first degrees with 62 bagging first class; 1,006, second class upper; 1,526 second class lower; 468 third class and 34 pass.

    According to him, 426 receive masters degrees; 46 bagged doctorate degrees; 173 others will be given post graduate diplomas

    In Abeokuta yesterday, former President Obasanjo continued his push against the reelection of President Buhari when he registered for the Coalition for Nigerian Movement.

    He was not at the launch of the movement in Abuja on Wednesday but officials of the group, including former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Donald Duke (Cross River) were in Abeokuta to witness the event.

    After his registration, Obasanjo said the CNM is not a “third force” but a popular movement of Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to propel the country forward.

    He said the leadership of the country had taken nation – building for granted, with citizens being robbed of their sense of belonging. Obasanjo noted that the composition of the present security apparatus of Nigeria negated the federal character principle enshrined in the constitution.

    He said his earlier statement in which he chronicled many things that were not going on well and suggested  ways of tackling them, was not done lightly or frivolously or due to bad belle but out  of deep concern for the country.

    According to him, Nigeria “must rethink and retool”, if the instruments being used in nation – building and governance since independence have served the country and citizens right.

    He said CNM is the new direction to mobilise Nigerian populace for  true development, unity, cooperation, security, rule of law,  stability, welfare and wellbeing.

    To the ex – President, if Nigeria must change for better, the real change should  be brought about by the youth and women, who he said were often the direct victims of things that weren’t working.

    He noted  that the registration  was a follow-up to his earlier statement issued by him  about the state of the nation where he also offered his piece of advice.

    Obasanjo explained that the current system had not given Nigerians what they wanted or must  have, adding that the new coalition would be “bottom – up” driven to give hope to the youths, dignity and encouragement to women.

    ” Let me emphasise important areas, programme, priorities or processes for improved attention. To start with, we seemed to have taken nation – building for granted.

    ”Nation – building must be given continued attention to give every citizen a feeling of belonging and a stake in his or her country.

    ” For instance, the federal character principle, as espoused in our constitution, was to guide the leadership to search for competent holders of major offices to be distributed within the entire nation and avoid the concentration in a few ethnic hands or geographical places as we currently have in the leadership of the security apparatus.

    ” To avoid such non – integrative situation, we have the National Assembly and the Federal Character Commission, both institutions which must raise alarm or call for correction of actions by the executive that violate the spirit of our constitution.

    ”In like manner, the spate of violence, criminality, organised crime, insurgency and terrorism have not received sufficient proactive ameliorative responses through transformational leadership – a determined leadership that brings cohesion and wholesomeness to the polity. Nobody and no group should feel excluded in his or her own country,” Obasanjo said.

    Speaking on his meeting with President Buhari in Addis Ababa during the African Union (AU) Summit, Obasanjo said it was  baffling that Nigerians were surprised  that he could walk up to President Buhari to greet him, after chronicling the ills of his administration and advising him not to contest in 2019.

    “I wonder why some Nigerians were worried why I had to pay respect to the Nigerian President; that’s my own upbringing as a well born and bred Yoruba boy.

    “That doesn’t mean that what I have said about the President, which I did not say out of bitterness and hatred. It is evident that the President has performed, in some areas, good enough,  in other areas not good and a proper advice which he may take and he may not take.

    “I didn’t do that out of malice or out of ‘bad belle’; I did it out of my respect for that office and my interest and I hope in your interest and the interest of Buhari in Nigeria.

    “I went to him just before the beginning of the opening of AU Summit; I had gone round some few other presidents; should I ignore him? So, I went to my President, greeted him and we joked before General Salami said we should have a group photograph,” Obasanjo said.

  • Ekiti APC chieftain seeks reduction of governorship aspirants

    Ekiti APC chieftain seeks reduction of governorship aspirants

    An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ekiti State, Chief John Filani, has expressed concern over the increasing number of the party’s governorship aspirants.

    Filani, who spoke with our reporter yesterday, said it is unhealthy for about 50 aspirants to jostle for the party’s ticket.

    He warned that allowing such a number of aspirants to go into a shadow poll could cause a post-primary crisis which could affect the party at the main election.

    Filani, a party leader in Ikole Local Government Area, suggested that the aspirants’ number be reduced to nine – with three from each of the three senatorial districts – to have a manageable primary.

    The APC chieftain suggested that Ekiti APC Elders’ Forum and the state chapter of Afenifere should organise mini-primaries in each of the three senatorial districts for the nine aspirants to be elected.

    He said: “We should be careful in our party about the ever-increasing number of aspirants seeking our party’s governorship ticket.

    “We should be frank with ourselves: going into the primary with over 50 aspirants is unhealthy for our party. For us to have a rancour-free primary, the number should be reduced.

    “I want to suggest the conduct of mini-primaries for the aspirants, to be supervised by the elders’ forum and Afenifere in each of the three senatorial districts, to select the best three from each of the zones to give us just nine contestants.”

    “We should not go into the election with a divided house. Let us reduce the aspirants to nine: three from each of the three senatorial districts.”