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Simple Analysis on Edo 2020 Gubernatorial Election.

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By Abubakar Sadiq Dauda

Edo state was carved out from the Old Bendel state in 1991 during the millitary administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The state is located in the south-south region of Nigeria and it is an oil-rich state.

Edo State comprises of three (3) senatorial district which constitute 18 local government councils.

The state gubernotorial election has been slated to hold on 19th September, 2020 and analyst are of the opinion that it will be a two horse race, between candidates of the PDP, which is the ruling party in the state and that of APC which happens to be the strongest opposition party in the state. While the PDP may boast of having the power of incumbency, the APC on the other hand may boast of having the ‘Federal Might’.

Below is a simple analysis on the possible outcome of the upcoming election, based on the three (3) senatorial zone

The Edo north district comprises of six (6) local govt council, namely; Etsako west, Etsako east, Etsako central, Owan east, Owan west and Akoko Edo local government areas.

The district has a voting capacity of 26% according to statistics released by INEC. It is widely believed that the zone is the stronghold of the former APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, as a son of the soil. It is also pertinent to mention that, the running mate of the APC candidate, Mr. Gani Audu; as well as the current Deputy Governor and running mate to the PDP candidate, Comrade Philips Shuaibu are natives of the zone.

Verdict: It is widely believed that the APC will record a large win over the PDP in the Edo north district, having won all the seats of the Federal and State legislative council in the 2016 general election.

The second senatorial district is the Edo central district (popularly known as the Esan district). Five local govt council constitute the district: Esan west, Esan central, Esan north-east, Esan south-east and Igueben. The district has a voting capacity of 16% and it is home to former PDP-BOT chairman, Late Tony Anenih. There are speculations that the current Governor has assured them of his support in their bid to succeed him if they support his second term ambition.

Verdict: It is clear PDP will have a clean sweep in that district due to the fact that PDP have never lost any seat in that zone since the return of democracy in 1999. However, the zone is the minority, thus APC may worry less.

The last senatorial district that forms the state is the Edo south district, also known as Benin district. It comprises of seven (7) local govt council and it has the majority voting capacity which is estimated to be 58%.

The southern zone is the power house of Edo politics and it is home to many active political gladiators such as; the present governor (Godwin Obaseki), two term former governor of the state (Lucky Igbenidion), APC governorship aspirant (Ize Iyamu), Omosode Igbenidion, Dennis Idahosa and Samson Osagie. The local govt council in this zone are; Oredo, Ikpoba Okha, Egor, Orhionmwon, Ovia North-East, Ovia South-West and Uhumwode.

Verdict: Though the PDP won the senate seat of the zone in 2016 election, the APC won two house of representives seat out of four, with PDP having the other two. It is not certain on who will get the blessing of the Edo south district more. The district will be the battleground for both the two top contenders, for the space at the Government House widely referred to as Osadebe Avenue.

Conclusion:
Pastor Ize Iyamu may win in the Edo North, Governor Obaseki may get the favour of the Edo Central, whoever dominates the Edo South district may get the mandate.

Sadiq is a political analyst and a social media activist, writes from Kano and Can be reached on assadiq.aldaud@gmail.com

Politics

Gov. Gida-Gida and Ganduje: The Firing of Unwarranted Political Salvos-Adamu Aminu

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Former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and Successor Abba Kabir Yusuf

 

By Adamu Aminu.

It is extremely disheartening to see how recently our two elder statesmen, the Kano state Governor, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusif, politically known as Abba Gida-Gida, and his immediate predecessor, the ex-Kano and present APC National chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, are busy exchanging salvos directly at each other.

The exchanges of verbal brawls through their spokesmen emanated shortly after Governor Abba Kabir Yusif inaugurated two judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate cases of misappropriation of public property, political violence, and missing persons from 2015 to 2019 to 2023.

It was unfortunate; all the accusations and counter-accusations from both sides were riddled with harsh and demeaning words, deemed unrepeatable and unworthy to come from our respected leaders who are beating chests of leading Kano, the state that has reached the zenith of political maturity in the whole nation.

I was automatically dumbfounded by how the exchanged salvos and political sarcasm were randomly so directed at each other, without revisiting the fact that history never lies; someday, posterity will judge them.

This comes at a time when the warring parties should set aside their differences and make Kano their concern and priority, but they resorted to opening the doors of all blackmailing arsenals at their disposal, overtly directed at each other, without knowing that their utterances and accusations are doing more harm than good to Kano state in general.

This came at a time when our counterpart States in the South, like Lagos, Rivers, and others, have already set politics aside and deeply engaged in the execution of developmental projects for their people, but Kano, a state of whole-tenure politics, is dragging feet towards the fulfillment of promises during electioneering campaigns.

At this time when most Kano industries are not functional, there is no portable water, unemployment, poverty, hunger, and thuggery clogging the wheels of Kano’s economic development, instead, they resorted to engaged in trading bitter words and pointing accusing fingers at themselves.

I think it’s time for our Excellency, the state governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and his predecessor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to wake up from their slumbers and stop demeaning themselves politically.

Trading accusations of one’s incompetence, docility, and another’s accusation of land grabbing and rat-like behavior is not the utmost priority for Kano populace.

It’s time to stop deceiving ourselves with the longstanding Kano praise “Kano Tumbin Giwa, Ko dame Kazo An Fika,” which means Kano, the melting pot, whatever you came along with, you’re far left behind. Kano state in this modern era deserves to be far from where it is now.

I do hope and pray that Governor Abba and his predecessor Ganduje make Kano and Kanawas their utmost priority. They are our role models, exchanging incendiary remarks with each other will show that politics isn’t only a dirty game, it’s a dirty war of raining curses and abuses.

They should know that someday around this time, they will be no more; only their legacies will make them immortal in the memory of Kano populace.

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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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Politics

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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