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2023:Atiku will defeat Tinubu If-Tanko Yakasai

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Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai has predicted that the 2019 presidential flag-bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar will defeat the National Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu should their parties present them as presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections.

Yakasai, (94) spoke at his Kano residence on Wednesday.

The First Republic politician and foundation member of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), who speaks with the Authority Newspaper said however, submitted that Tinubu remains a better choice for APC in 2023.

APC Crisis :Sacked APC National Chairman wants to field Tinubu in 2023-Danbilki

He warned the ruling party against zoning the presidency to the North, arguing that since President Muhammadu Buhari is in his second term which will terminate in 2023, “it is only fair for the APC to shop for a presidential candidate from the South.”

He recalled that at the expiration of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure in 2007, “despite pressures from his brothers in the South, he presented the late former President Umar Musa Yar’Adua from the North because he is from the South. That was fair enough.”

Yakasai who spoke during an interview at his residence admired the Presidential ambition of Tinubu, expressing optimism that the former Govenor of Lagos State and National Leader of the APC would be a better President than President Buhari.

Yakasai, member, Board of Trustees (BoT), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), however, expressed regret that President Buhari’s administration has disappointed Nigerians because of, “lack of plan.”

He gave Tibunu’s stewardship in Lagos as Governor a huge pass mark, arguing that with the kind of leadership Tinubu is demonstrating in Lagos, he would surely make a better President if given the chance by his party and Nigerians in 2023.

According to him, “if you are talking of making a better president, to be honest with you, I think if Tinubu can get the APC ticket and is elected, he will perform better than Buhari. This, I have no doubt in my mind.

“Go to Lagos and see what Tinubu did. Haven’t been to Lagos for a very long time until last year when I was invited to be a special guest of honour in an occasion, and then, I had been hearing of Lekki, so, when I went for the occasion, I took my time on the day of my arrival, to go and have a look at Lekki.

“I went in front of Ekko Hotel and I saw the area, the reclamation, buildings and general development that took place looking beautiful. The roads that I knew used to be very rough, were all good when I went this time around. So, I was impressed by the number of development projects that were executed by Tinubu.

“So, I think, in my opinion, Tinubu an make a better president than Buhari. What makes a better political leader in in government is plan. If you have a plan, you can do it; without a plan, you cannot perform.

“See Lekki, when I went, I moved round it -I didn’t come out of my car. I looked at the map of Lekki and I saw the roads connecting Lekki with the other parts of Lagos territories and there were all beautiful.

“I saw the place earmarked for ports and the mega railway junction and many other things. These are plans that when you have and you get opportunity, you implement them. That is the reason why I said Tinubu is likely to be a better president than Buhari, because he has done it before.

“Buhari had got the opportunity when he was Military Head of States, combining two powers to himself-executive and legislative. He was the one signing decrees and yet, for two years, apart from his War Against Indiscipline (WAI), I cannot remember what else he did.

“What makes a political leader is plan. If you have a plan, you can do it, if you don’t have a plan, you cannot do it.”

The former Political Adviser to Second Republic President, Shehu Shagari, however, predicted that Atiku may defeat Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election.

Atiku and Tinubu are potential 2023 presidential aspirants.

According to Yakasai, Atiku and Tinubu will make better presidents, but Atiku stands a better chance to win Tinubu because of the numerical strength in the North.

He also cited Atiku’s nation-wide political, social and business network, arguing that, “if Atiku is contesting, the majority of the votes from the North will go to to him.”

Speaking further on the issue of zoning the presidency, he said: “I happened to be a founding member of NPN. And the idea of zoning or rotation was introduced in the Nigerian political vocabulary by the NPN, to the extent that the party incited provisions as its constitution for zoning and rotation. But it was done on the basis of certain public and party offices that would be zoned between north and south.

 

“Now, most political parties have indicated acceptance to zoning and rotation by making declarations, others by implications. The APC sponsored Muhammadu Buhari and he is now in his second term. In my opinion, the APC is duty bond to sponsor the next presidential candidate from the south.

“This is because Buhari is doing two consecutive terms. Just like Obasanjo did, when he did two consecutive terms from the south, when his people from his own region (south) wanted to contest the presidency, he conscripted Umaru Yar’Adua from the north, and he said he was doing it to allow the north produce the president after the south had produced the president (him) for two consecutive terms of eight years.

“So, in my opinion, it is incumbent on the the APC to sponsor the next presidential candidate from the south. For the PDP and other political parties, it is a matter of wish -if they so wish, they can sponsor their candidates from the south or north, because they have not done two terms at this point in time.

“The principle of zoning and rotation is very important in Nigerian politics, particularly as long as we are operating presidential system of government. This is particularly because the concentration of power lies with the federal government and the presidency. It would be inappropriate to attempt to run the presidency by a single region for more than eight years.”

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Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Is The Head of All Political Parties in Kano-Dala

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In a surprising turn of events following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent victory at the Supreme Court, Anas Abba Dala, a former APC chieftain and a devoted supporter of the Governor, has declared that Governor Yusuf is now the de facto head of all political parties in Kano. This assertion includes the APC, the NNPP, and the PDP.

Speaking exclusively to Kano based radio station Freedom Radio, Anas Abba Dala expressed his conviction that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Supreme Court triumph has positioned him as a unifying figure transcending party lines. Dala, who was once a prominent member of the APC, emphasized the significance of the Governor’s victory in unifying Kano’s political landscape.

In the interview, Dala highlighted the historical context of Governor Yusuf’s political journey, acknowledging the Governor’s ability to garner support across party lines. He commended the Supreme Court’s decision, declaring it a victory for not only the PDP but for all political parties in Kano.

Anas Abba Dala’s statement reflects a shifting political narrative, as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership is perceived as a unifying force that transcends partisan affiliations. The Supreme Court’s validation of the Governor’s victory serves as a catalyst for a renewed sense of political collaboration and cooperation in Kano.

While this declaration is likely to stir conversations within the political sphere, it underlines the potential for a more inclusive and cooperative political landscape in Kano under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. As the news of this assertion spreads, it will be interesting to observe how political dynamics in Kano evolve in response to this declaration of unity across party lines.

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Non-indigenes in Kano Unite in Prayer for Dr Nasir Gawuna’s Success at Supreme Court

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Honourable Seyi Olorunsola, a prominent APC stalwart and Opinion Leader in Kano, has mobilized the non-indigenous Christian community to fervently pray for the success of Dr Nasir Gawuna, the APC candidate, in an impending Supreme Court hearing. This legal battle arises from the NNPC’s appeal, led by Governor Abna Yusuf, challenging the results of the March 18, 2023, Gubernatorial elections in Kano State.

At a prayer conference organized by Honourable Seyi, the non-indigenous Christian community gathered to intercede for Dr Nasir Gawuna, seeking divine intervention in the pursuit of reclaiming his mandate. Honourable Seyi urged attendees to persevere in prayer until victory is secured and cautioned against potential interference, notably mentioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the need to remain unaffected by NNPP propaganda aiming to undermine the APC administration.

Expressing gratitude to the judiciary for upholding the rule of law, Honourable Seyi emphasized the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring justice. He encouraged them to remain vigilant until justice is unequivocally served, highlighting the commitment to a fair and impartial legal process, free from external influences.

Addressing NNPP concerns about the legitimacy of the APC victory, Honourable Seyi reassured the public of the APC’s commitment to the democratic process. The call for prayers from the non-indigenous Christian community not only testifies to their faith but also demonstrates solidarity with Dr Nasir Gawuna.

The prayer conference also included appeals for peace and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria at large, emphasizing a broader vision for a united and flourishing nation. The collective hopes extend beyond the immediate political context, envisioning a Kano and Nigeria where peace prevails, prosperity thrives, and democratic principles are upheld.

Honourable Seyi Olorunsola’s call for a prayer conference reflects not just the intensity of the political situation in Kano but also underscores the significance of faith and unity during times of uncertainty.

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Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: Politicians Who Accepted Defeat Without Going to Court Since 2003

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Dr,Goodluck Jonathan,Engineer Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Dr Kayode Fayemi

 

Abbas Yushau Yusuf, Political Editor

As Nigeria’s Fourth Republic marks 24 years, elections were held in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and most recently, in 2023 for the offices of councillors, LG Chairman, State Assemblies, Governors, National Assembly, and the office of the President.

By the time the Independent Electoral Commission concludes the process, litigation follows.

Only in 1999 was there very negligible litigation at the courts. The presidential candidate of the joint defunct APP and AD alliance, Chief Samuel Olu Falae, challenged the victory of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999, but the courts dismissed his appeal.

The 1999 General elections were conducted by the military administration of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

By 2003, civilians started to conduct elections, and litigations continued to follow unabated.

Analysts opined that the election season in Nigeria with the highest number of litigations is the recent 2023 general elections.

It is said that 95 percent of the defeated politicians are still in the courts.

Below are some of the prominent Nigerian politicians who congratulated their opponents without going to court or their political parties in 20 years.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Former Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, is the first Nigerian presidential candidate who did not go to court to challenge his victory after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared his opponent, Muhammad Buhari of the APC, in the March 28 General elections.

Even before the final collation of results, he congratulated former President Muhammadu Buhari. Goodluck Jonathan was Nigeria’s President from May 6, 2010, to May 29, 2015.

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was Governor of Kano state from May 29, 1999, to May 29, 2003. He is the only Kano politician who congratulated his opponent since the 2003 election, even though as an incumbent Governor.

Kwankwaso was defeated by Malam Ibrahim Shekarau of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party. Kwankwaso did not only stop at that; he visited the Governor-elect at the residence with his cabinet and congratulated Malam Shekarau.

Kwankwaso staged a surprise comeback in 2011 after 8 years; he concluded his second tenure on May 29, 2015.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi

Dr. Kayode Fayemi was Governor of Ekiti state from 2010 to 2014 after the Supreme Court sacked Segun Oni of the People’s Democratic Party.

Ekiti state is one of the Nigerian states where off-season elections take place. During the 2014 Governorship election, Dr. Kayode Fayemi of APC was defeated by Peter Ayodele Fayose of the People’s Democratic Party.

Dr. Kayode Fayemi went ahead to congratulate the winner and did not also go to court. Like Kwankwaso of Kano, Dr. Kayode Fayemi also contested in the 2018 election and won, concluding his second term in the year 2022.”

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