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Third Force:The Farce And Fiasco Of The Fight

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Past Nigerian leaders

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

The Third Force is claiming to be a movement that is coming as a political alternative to the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The aim they say, is to rescue Nigeria from the mis-governance of the two major parties that have been in control since 1999. To achieve that, the movement is going into alliance with prominent people across different political parties, amongst whom are Prof. Attahiru Jega of the People’s Redemption Party, Prof. Pat Utomi of the Labour Party, Senator Saidu Dansadau of the National Rescue Movement, and Eng. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of the New Nigerian People’s Party.

With the exception of Prof. Attahiru Jega, who migrated from the classroom to the national electoral umpire, before mutating to the new status of a practical political actor, the rest have all had attempts at contesting elections, with Eng. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as the most tested among them. Yes, Kwankwaso was a Deputy Speaker House of Reps, Governor, Senator and now the Presidential candidate of the New Nigerian People’s Party. So as far as political positions are concerned, he has more mileage than all of them.

But how far can they go, looking at the complexities of the Nigerian political terrain, especially as some of them are just theoreticians, who have been looking at Nigeria’s political problems from the text books only? Do they have the capacity to change the narrative, or is it going to be a farce that may end up as a fiasco fight?

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With the exception of Kano, where Kwankwaso is waxing strong, almost everywhere, the alliance is yet to attract the needed traction, or the ambience of a political force that can change anything, despite the engagement of the leadership of the Labour Movement and the Labour Party, including the NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba and the President of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, Quadri Olaleye.

Through alliances and mergers, especially with the NLC, the third force is having the ambition of benefitting from the coming together of various political interest groups and supporters nationwide, who, if things work according to plans, are expected to combine their strength to rescue power at the centre and the periphery.

“We are particularly enthused by the nonpartisan strategic nature of the Labour Party, as a People-centered, Pan Nigerian political platform that can inclusively serve the interests of all Nigerians irrespective of their ethnic, religious and social inclinations; in uniting the country towards a momentous development that can accommodate and serve the diversities of Nigeria.”-a member of the third force.

If we go by previous experiences of such alliances, particularly with what had happened in Kano, which is a good political laboratory for many experiments, only the naive, with evident lack of experience, wisdom, or good sense of judgement, would submit to the likelihood of success in such an arrangement. History has always made such alliances to end up as a farce and fiasco of a fight.

There is a particular cliché that is circulating in the social media, perhaps embellishing the weakness or authority of such alliances and their relevance to successive elections in Kano. The cliché says, if you’re not from Kano, it will be difficult to understand Kano politics:

“In 2015, it was Kwankwaso + Ganduje against Shekarau.

In 2019, it was Shekarau + Ganduje against Kwankwaso.

In 2023 it’s going to be Kwankwaso + Shekarau against Ganduje”.

If we go by the antecedents of the above arithmetic, we can see that where there is no crisis of confidence and credibility, no matter the collective power of the coalition, the people always vote according to the dictates of their conscience, which is always in support of credibility.

With the choice of Gawuna as the candidate for governorship in Kano, and his commendable credibility, humility and attested modesty, the force of the third force against him may turn out to be a farce.

But, depending on who emerged as the candidate for the Kano central senatorial zone in the APC, where Sardaunan Kano, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau is going into the contest for the second time, this time under the platform of the third force, with his huge credentials of credibility, yes, the force of the third force may force a pre-eminence. It would only take a candidate of high moral and ethical credentials to defeat the Sardauna at that election. Anything to the contrary, is a goal for the third force.

However, unless Kwankwaso is banking on something out of the ordinary, if we are to work with the visible and conventional electoral indices, the chances of the NNPP wrestling power at the presidency can at best be described as a farce, and at worse a fiasco.

But again, there is always the silent factor in Nigeria’s elections.

Bala Ibrahim is a Journalist and public affairs commentator

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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Politics

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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