In Sokoto State, the 2015 governorship will be a straight fight between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), writes ADAMU SULEIMAN.
The 2015 governeorship contest in Sokoto State will be a tough battle. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), despite its internal crisis, is working assiduously to remain in power. But observers contend that, unless the party puts its house in order, it is doomed.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) is waxing strong in the Caliphate. Unlike the ruling party, the opposition is united. There are discordant tunes within the PDP. Governor Aliyu Wamakko, who returned from an overseas trip last week to a rousing reception, used the opportunity to blast the leadership of the party.
He particularly singled out the national chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, accussing him of running the party in a manner that has done more harm to it than good. At the reception was the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal. The party had two weeks ago suspended the governor for alleged insurbordination.
Analysts say Wamakko’s suspension was not as a result of any insurbordiation but the fact that “Abuja” is uncomfortable with the “perceived plans” by Wamakko to instal in 2015 a candidate who is not anointed by “Abuja.”
Besides, many governorship aspirant in the state are anti-Abuja.
Already, there are stong indications within and outside the state that four front runners in the race for the Government House in the PDP have emerged. Others are still “consulting.” Among the leading contenders is Tambuwal; there is also the incumbent Deputy Governor, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Farouk Yabo.
Also in contention are the former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, and Senator Abubakar Gada. The two had tested their popularity in 2011 against Governor Wamakko at the primaries, but lost to him. It is being rumoured that they are strategising to launch their bid, once again, to clinch the party’s ticket for the plum job.
Within the PDP, Tambuwal is said to be the front runner. His popularity has soared, since the historic election that produced him as the Speaker. The PDP machinery was arrayed against him in that contest, but he pulled through in a manner that left the PDP bigwigs in the gallery, who had gone to witness the election, dumbfounded.
Besides, his leadership style has earned him more respect and he is a major source of worry to the powers that be in Abuja. His rating soared when former Military President, Ibrahim Babangida called on him to seek “higher office” on the understanding that he has performed creditably. Moreover, Tambuwal has established a rare relationship with the opposition party members, a style that has infuriated the leadership of the PDP. In fact, it has earned him the rather derogatory appelation of “Opposition Speaker.” Within the House, he is at home with all and sundry, except, perhaps, the die-hard supporters of the establishment.
Shagari, a former Minister of Water Resources and hardcore loyalist of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, comes across as a very loyal deputy to Wamakko. He is adjudged by analysts to be politically mature to step into the shoes of his boss. He has gone through the test of the game and may be rewarded for his patience and loyalty. The sacrifice he made could earn him the ticket.
Even though Yabo is not too old in the game, he is an enterprising and highly resourceful politican. He is also very humble and often attracts remarkable attention at political gatherings across the state. He is nicknamed the “man of the people’’. This, analysts say, could surprisingly smoothen his political ambition at any given opportunity.
But the PDP will face a big challenge from the mega party in the making, the APC. It is a merger of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA).
The opposition is enjoying a huge popularity.
The APC is determined to take the state from the PDP. The ANPP governorship candidate in 2012, Alhaji Yusha’u Ahmad, recently described the APC as the political messiah for Nigerians.
‘’The coming of the APC is a good omen for Nigeria and its citizens. The party is a reflection of true democracy, which we need now, to free the masses from the shackles of poverty and maladministration, which the PDP government has subjected them to in the last 14 years,” he said.
Ahmad said the clamour for change can no longer be neglected, and to meet the yearnings of the peoples, the leaders of the opposition decided to come together to provide the needed alternative, which is the APC.
‘’There is wide agitation for change by the people of Sokoto State and Nigerians, and APC is set to build the needed confidence in the electorate, ahead of the next general elections, ’’ he said
Ahmad said Nigeria required leaders with integrity, foresight, vision and commitment that can religiously pursue relevant policies for the benefit of the citizenry, adding that ‘’ this is what APC stands for’’.
He maintained that these qualities are lacking in this current leadership. According to him, the masses need to be sensitised to their fundamental rights, which they ought to protect by electing credible candidates of their choice.
His words: “There is absolute need to change the leadership and direction in the state and in the country.’’
Ahmad accused the PDP government of turning the state to a ‘’beggar spot where basic demands of the majority of people cannot be addressed by the ruling PDP in the state”.
Wamakko has warned politicians to allow his administration a breathing space to pursue his programmes, adding that campaigns in any form or guise will constitute a distratcion for his administration.
He urged all the aspirants to allow him enough space to channel resources and energies to the empowerment of the youth through job creation, poverty reduction and self reliant activities to give them a sense of belonging and prepare them as tomorrow’s leaders.
