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APC Flagbearer:The Gambit And The Gimmick Of The Game

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APC National Chairman Senator Abdullahi Adamu

 

By Bala Ibrahim.

According to the article of Biswanath Saha, politics is nothing but a game of interest, as political scientists have defined it as the act of an individual or a group, which impacts the lives of others. This means, politics does not mean mere contesting elections but any act of an individual or any organisation, which has bearing on public life. For example, if a person shouts out inside the four walls of his/her house, it has nothing to do with politics, but if he/she does the same on the road then it is a kind of politics.

In Nigeria today, the ruling APC is playing out the politics of street shouting, in a way that would make or mar the lives of many, at least till the year 2027. The party is being carefully circumspect, by refusing to take open risks, through a gimmick that is aimed at beating PDP in the game.

The President and the party want to take power to a particular zone, but they don’t want the public to perceive or predict the direction of their breath. After all, PMB said he wouldn’t disclose the identity of his successor, for fear of the successor being killed.

Although the stratagem had commenced long ago, but the gambit slightly shifted to a subterfuge, after the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the flag bearer of the PDP. With Atiku on the PDP ticket, in an election where Buhari would not be on the ballot, as such, credibility may not necessarily play pivotal, no party can afford the luxury of fielding a political weakly, hence the change in the calculations and permutations of the APC.

This is not to say Atiku is politically indomitable, no, Atiku is beatable, because he has been beaten several times. As a matter of fact, apart from the Adamawa gubernatorial election of 1999, Atiku Abubakar has never won any election in Nigeria. Even in that, he only won the PDP primaries to emerge as the party’s candidate, but the real winner of the election was Boni Haruna, who replaced him on the ballot, while Obasanjo picked him as the Vice President. So at best, Atiku was the de-facto winner.

Subsequently, Atiku was beaten in every election he stood, including the APC primaries of 2014, where he came third, having been beaten by Kwankwaso, who came second with 974 votes, while Atiku scored 954 votes. Atiku contested against Abiola and lost. He contested against Umaru Musa Yar’adua and lost. He contested against Goodluck Jonathan and lost. And lost more than once against Buhari.

But yes, in the context of Nigerian politics, Atiku Abubakar remains a poser, that cannot be taken for granted, hence the change in the calculations and permutations of the APC.

Another person that may throw a spanner in the works of the APC is it’s National leader, the Jagaba of Borgu, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Like Atiku, the need to trade with caution on Tinubu is not because he is matchless, no, it’s because of some reasons that are difficult to separate from those associated with Atiku.

As things stand today, Tinubu does not have the strength or political sagacity to deliver, or take full control of a monolithic south west. No way. In fact, without the help of the silent factor, if a free and fair election were to be conducted in Lagos today, Tinubu would loose to the PDP, which traditionally has been sharing the votes at almost 50/50 with him. And with the entry of Kwankwaso and his new party, the NNPP into Lagos now, the arithmetic would surely change the geography of the distribution of the votes in Lagos.

Tinubu’s support is largely from the without of his territory. The roll call of his supporters reads, Kashim Shetima, Aminu Masari, Abdullahi Ganduje, Nasir-El-Rufai, Babgana Zulum, and Co. Gone are the days when you hear people like Ambode, Fashola, Fayose, Aregbesola, or Prof. Yemi Osibanjo. Even the Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization that used to be behind him, is today singing a different song about the Tinubu candidacy.

In the pursuit to get his successor, which is the focus of Nigeria now, and expected to be the high point of the APC convention that is billed for tomorrow, Monday, 06/06,2023, PMB had this to say to the all-powerful APC Governors:

“I urge all of you to hold consultations amongst yourselves and with the party, to build a consensus in a manner that would help the party reduce the number of aspirants, bring up a formidable candidate and scale down the anxiety of party members”.

Scale down the anxiety of party members? I think it’s more of how to scheme out Tinubu, without rocking the boat that would convey the combatants to crush the artilleries of Atiku.

Between the trio of Atiku, Tinubu and Kwankwaso, Kwankwaso is a stronger force to fear politically, I think.

So why is the APC playing gimmick, when in actual sense it knows the strength and weaknesses of the duo of Atiku and Tinubu?

Methinks the answer is known by all the political actors, but no one wants to make it public, hence the resort to the subterfuge of gimmick and gambit in the game.

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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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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