2015: Contenders for Katsina guber seat JAMES DANJUMA takes a look at the leading contenders for the Katsina State Government House, their strength and weakness as the 2015 general elections gather momentum The next general election may be a little over a year or so from now, but this has not kept politicians in Katsina State from politicking for the state’s gubernatorial seat. Albeit underground, these politicians are said to have begun rallying their supporters, close associates and party members to ensure they become candidates of their various political parties to contest for the coveted position. Collectively, nine persons have governed the state since 1987, when it was carved out of the old Kaduna State. Among the lot were six military administrators and three democratically elected governors. The three elected governors include Saidu Barda, late Umaru Yar’Adua and incumbent Ibrahim Shema. Barda, who became state governor on the platform of the National Republican Convention, NRC, oversaw the affairs of the state from January 1992 to November 1993 and his was the shortest democratic rule the state had witnessed in its 26 years of existence. Yar’Adua was elected on platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 1999 and went on to rule the state for two terms of eight years. He later contested for and won the presidential election in 2007, but was unable to complete his tenure after he lost the battle to illness while in office. Shema, also elected on platform of the PDP, succeeded Yar’Adua as state governor, and is currently serving his second term in office. But come 2015 general election, the electorate would be coming out to vote for their tenth leader and fourth democratically elected governor. And the state, from all indications, would have several candidates to choose from due to the number of people that are said to be interested in the seat. At least 16 aspirants within the PDP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, are speculated to be eyeing the seat. From the PDP side, there are about eight of them. Suleiman Dikko He is the current Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, and former chairman of the state Basic Education Board. His is a relative and associate of the state governor, and is being speculated to be Shema’s ‘anointed’ candidate. His inexperience on the political scene could however work against him. Abdulahi Tsauri He is the only one among other the contenders who has come out to declare his interest in contesting for the gubernatorial seat. This has often made him come under verbal and physical attacks, and he nearly lost his life about two years ago in the hands of thugs at one of his rallies. He hails from Dtusinma, the same council area with the incumbent governor, an issue that could work to his disadvantage. His charismatic and fearless disposition could yet work to his advantage ahead of the next general election. Musa Adamu A former lawmaker and current state Agriculture Commissioner; he is one of those that has the attention of the state government and could arguably win in an election, as he is popular among the youths. He hails from Funtua, a council area in the southern part of the state where a state, which is yet to produce a governor. This had led some PDP members from his zone to demand that the next governor emerges from their area. Abdullahi Garba If the law of succession is to be followed, Garba, who is deputy governor of the state, would be the next to fly the PDP flag for the gubernatorial seat. A former university don and state Attorney-General, he is seen by many to be a major political figure from Funtua senatorial zone. Whether he would contest or the PDP present him as their candidate is what remains to be seen. Musa Sada He is the current Mines and Steel Minister and former Works and Housing Commissioner in the state. An architect by profession, he had played key role in the construction of some of the infrastructure the state boasts of today. His strength lies in his being a member of the Goodluck Jonathan cabinet and his closeness to Vice President Namadi Sambo. His inexperience in politics could factor against any ambition he has. Ibrahim Ida Senator Ida was the former lawmaker representing Katsina Central in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly, and is a PDP elder. Ida has the support base, experience and influence to fly the party’s flag. He is however said to be considering the possibility of going back to the Senate. Dikko Inde Inde is the current Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS. He has the charisma and clout due to his association with major political bigwigs. His undoing may have to do with his political inexperience and lack of a support base. Nura Khalil Khalil had years back, contested against the late Yar’Adua for the governorship position on the platform of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP. Although he lost, he has nonetheless proved to be one person that could garner votes in an election due to his strong support base. He was initially with the defunct Congres for Progressive Change, CPC, before moving over to the ruling PDP. Of recent, he had given attention to pursing his business career which made some of his supporters wonder whether he would contest in the next general election or not. There are several other contenders from the APC that are speculated to be interested in the governorship seat and these include: Aminu Bello Masari He was former Speaker of the House of Representatives and had contested for the same position on platform of the defunct CPC, but lost to the incumbent state governor. Currently the deputy national secretary of the APC, he is said to be a major contender for the number one position. He has the clout and support base to his advantage, but the political strength of the ruling PDP in the state is a major issue he has to contend with. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua He is a younger brother to the late President Yar’Adua. The retired Army Colonel had been running mate to the flagbearer of a faction of the CPC in the last general elections, and had shown interest in contesting for the gubernatorial seat in 2011, but was reportedly persuaded not to do so. The popularity of his late brother in the state is a factor that could greatly work to his advantage. But his political experience, which is relatively at the beginner’s level, could work to his disadvantage. Usman Bugaje The former university don and outspoken House of Representatives member had contested on about two occasions for the coveted seat, but lost to the ruling PDP candidate. He is one candidate to beat when it comes to intellectual discourse. His past experience on the political terrain would give him the added edge; his inability to win in past gubernatorial elections could work against him. Abu Ibrahim The current senator representing Funtua senatorial zone had in the past, unsuccessfully contested for the gubernatorial seat. He is one law maker that has contributed immensely to debates, and has both clout and experience. His zone, which has produced only deputy governors, could give him the needed support should he choose to contest for the seat. However, his popularity seems to be limited to his zone and his candidacy may be hard to sell in the other two senatorial zones. Kanti Bello The former senator had represented Daura senatorial zone at the National Assembly. He is one person that had at one time or the other, been member of several political parties, including the APC, CPC, ANPP and PDP. Being a vocal and charismatic person, he has the support base and clout; he is however said to be considering the possibility of vying for the senatorial seat in the event that of the governorship doesn’t materialise. Mustapha Inuwa He was former Education Commissioner and Secretary to the State Government, SSG, during late Yar’Adua’s tenure as governor. Although he never showed interest in contesting for the seat in the past, several of his supporters had called on him to do so, and may do same as 2015 draws near. His closeness to Masari and other APC stalwarts could give him added advantage over other candidates. The challenge he could face is the decision of his party in wanting to field him as their candidate. The list is however not exhaustive, as other contenders may emerge as the politicking process intensifies ahead of the general elections. In addition, some of these mentioned may drop their speculated interest for another positions, or could altogether choose not to contest in the coming elections. But, whichever way it goes, the fact remains that the next gubernatorial election would be hotly contested by candidates of both the PDP and APC as both parties have multitudes of supporters in the state’s 34 councils.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:53:06 +0000
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