2023 Elections

 By Muhammadu Sabiu 
 
Ibrahim Shehu, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for governor of Zamfara State, was expelled from the party for allegedly engaging in anti-PDP conduct.
 
Shehu was expelled due to anti-party activities that violated Article 58(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the PDP’s 2017 amended constitution, according to the expulsion letter signed by Hon. Aliyu Hassan, the party’s secretary in Mayana Ward.
 
According to the letter, the party’s Mayana Ward Working Committee made the decision, which would take effect in January 2023.
 
Recall that Ibrahim Shehu was twice in charge of having the party’s governorship primary election annulled.
 
Ibrahim Shehu, who served as a representative in the Federal House from 2011 to 2015, didn’t comment about it yet.
 
The state chapter of the party, meanwhile, claimed to be unaware of the development, noting that it had not been officially alerted by the ward and that any complaints made against Shehu would be thoroughly probed before any action was taken.

By Tahir Ibrahim Tahir Talban Bauchi

In the 21st century of global villages, democracy, and westernisation of ideals and even beliefs, it is certainly difficult to comprehend what Northern Nigeria is, let alone what it stands for. The massively Islamised North, where peace and religious scholarship reigned supreme, has become a savannah of religious extremism and terrorism and almost a ground for legitimised banditry and bloodshed.

Life has become almost worthless, and tens of thousands of lives are lost to terrorism from Boko Haram in the east and kidnappings and banditry from the west yearly. Its traditional institutions of legendary valour and glorious kinship remain emasculated by State Governors who neither know the value and importance of these institutions nor have an iota of respect for them. Its political leadership is so partisan and fragmented, with every ‘Kingpin’ in bed with one political party or the other, or worst still, belonging to one candidate or the other. The North has remained in name and geography but fortuitously in almost all other ramifications. 

This is what has become of the behemoth The North since the democratisation of the Republic in 1999. For the few years that power has resided in the hands of Northerners, what good was it, and what did it bring since 1999? A large following of the North did mortgage the North’s future turn in power and campaigned for the continuity of Southern power. Only providence saved the day from the bastardisation of our nascent democracy. And perhaps a fall off from that pitiful nuance was another truncated term of a Northerner in power.

Present day 2015 to 2023 Northern Presidency has also been continually challenged by Northerners largely, and even though it has survived that onslaught, a moment of truth has come upon the North, where power arguably, and reasonably, is supposed to move to the South. It may not have been constitutionalised, and it perhaps may not be carried by the statutes of Federal Character, but no sane mind would oppose the notion of a power rotation for the peace and unity of the supposed federating units.

The raging debate is as to whether democracy remains whole when elections are based on ideas like rotation and, in other quarters, if the North has been shortchanged in this dispensation and power can be retained Northwards as a balancing equation. But what is a democracy, if not a phenomenon where the people are to decide how they want to be democratic? And what amount of tenure would strike a balance enough if other parts of the Federation are wont to run back the clock to cover previous republics or even military regimes?

While those debates are waged by the elite and the political strategists, The North, in the last eight years of power, has not been cured of poverty nor its un-educatedness. The reigns of power resident in the North as against the gains of power, be the reins resident in the North or not, seem to be mutually exclusive events. 

The North must learn how not to be in power and yet, record economic growth and development. Development that seeks to bridge the gap of education, infrastructure and disposition. Northerners behaving like expectant infants, to be fed and bred by the government, is sorely a thing of the past. Communist ideals are rarely ideal in the 21st century, where techies are building worlds that are driven by knowledge and technology.

Embracing a new world order, where self-reliance is a burgeoning business, is the new deal. The North must cut deals with the ruling party, where it stands to gain agriculturally and infrastructurally. Its size and population make it unbelievably powerful in the say-so of what happens to Nigeria’s politics. The last 8 years have seen so many Northerners in positions of power, but alas, they have not been able to affect the lives of Northerners, not even in simple small ways. The groaning populace, under the clutches of poverty, is miraculously Northern, while their brothers fill the corridors of power. To what use is this power? The North surely needs more lessons of utility in power. 

The history of the North is not borne out of vain glory. The reputation of integrity, honour and glory was carved into the annals of our history by hardworking, honest men who believed they were leaving a legacy of honour. If the North was hitherto shortchanged, it is not in its place to shortchange others and perpetuate a cycle of vengeance and unfair play. For posterity’s sake, the North must honour its political agreements, either written or not. Murmurings of betrayals by Northern leaders/ governors must be dispelled and should not be entertained, not even by the evilest amongst us. 

In the final analysis, PMB is honouring himself and the North by leaving in 2023, just like Jonathan did himself and the South in 2015. The writer is an advocate of justice and fair play, and of course, power rotation. Mistakes of the past cannot be corrected by mistakes of the future. There is no remedy for an anomaly that was created by a selfish few who were not thinking of their regions or their country but of themselves only. We have survived the Nigeria 2015 apocalypse by a far stretch of another 8 years. Plunging our nation into unnecessary crises is selfish and barbaric. Keeping Nigeria one and sane is what our leaders should be thinking of before their separate agendas. May God bless Nigeria.

Tahir is Talban Bauchi

By Mubarak Shu’aibu

With the 2023 general election close at hand, the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has released a six-page letter of appeal to Nigerians, targeting the youths in particular.

In the letter, Obasanjo eschewed the likes of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his former deputy, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his mentee, Engineer Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and settled for Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party. The choice has lent credence to those who believed Obasanjo is on a mission to scuffle Atiku’s presidential ambition comes February 2023. It’s in the public domain that former President Obasanjo is embroiled in a conflict with his former Vice,  and that is a good reason to disagree less with those that held such views. 

But, the good news for Atiku and his fanbase is the fact that the letter of his former boss, when placed in brackets with the 2023 presidential election, is a political featherweight. And here’s why.

Regardless of his exaggerated shortcomings, his broad political war chest, vast experience, and first name recognition have put him in the best stead to blitzkrieg the ruling All Progressive Congress (“APC”), a party which is currently battling for its existence. 

Exploring the more contentious articles against Atiku, either from his former boss or any other individual, it only emanates from a phobia that revolves around Atiku’s tendency to resuscitate Nigeria and rewrite his name in the book of history from the bad opinions sold publicly about him, to what he really is.

Another bullet point, unlike Buhari in 2015, the ruling party candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, does not have the overwhelming support of his people. Some of his rebellious allies, such as Professor Yemi Osibanjo, Babachir Lawal, Akinwunmi Ambode, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, are seriously plotting to ambush his ambition. 

These, and a wealth of other reasons, have unsettled  Obasanjo and the G-5 camp, who now looked marooned. However, Atiku’s victory is eminent (by the  Grace of the Almighty). Meanwhile, he’s one Nigerian [Obasanjo] whose opinion, whether right or wrong, doesn’t mean anything to Nigerian youths. As a former military officer, he, along with others, created problems for the country. When we revolted against them, they went through the back door. They’re the chief reason why our democracy is built in such a way that only the interest of the “elites” is protected. And it’s no wonder the last Military Head of State is the political ombudsman of Nigeria. They feel that they’re the power brokers, and anyone seeking a political office must lick their shoes.

And by his assertion that Obi has people who can pull his ears if and when necessary, he’s just trying to muffle the fact that Atiku won’t listen to the cabals. But that’s the sort of President Nigeria needed at this material time.

So, how much electoral value does his letter brings? Zero, I guessed!

Mubarak Shu’aib writes from Hardawa, Misau LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via naisabur83@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, hosted the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso on Thursday.

Kwankwaso was accompanied by Buba Galadima and other key members of his campaign team to Anambra’s State Government House in Awka. 

Explaining the reason for the visit, Kwankwaso said he was in the state to open the campaign office of his party and decided to pay the governor a courtesy visit. 

Receiving Kwankwaso’s entourage, Soludo commended him for his tenacity and belief in Nigeria. He described Kwankwaso as a man with exemplary public service history, which he called the greatest philanthropy.

Soludo said, “I want to commend your tenacity and belief in the country, your exemplary public service and commitment to our nation. I have always said that those who have something to offer should offer it through public service. Public Service is the biggest philanthropy”

By Muhammad Danjuma Abubakar

Alain Touraine- a French sociologist, in clarifying what democracy entails, concludes that it is a ‘free choice of leaders by the people’. Using Touraine’s view as an instance, the ground is slim for an argument (if any at all) that democracy is not the ideal form of government, considering its enormous opportunities for choice.

But, electorates’ hopes that any individual chosen for an elective office can deliver dividends of democracy in line with their needs and expectations have been repeatedly dashed by the existence of poor governance and misrepresentations evident from records of poor delivery of dividends of democracy by most occupants of such offices.

This means that free choice of leaders is not enough unless they translate to commensurable desired developments for the electorates, mainly through the provision of basic needs of life, quality and adequate infrastructures, economic growth and so on.

It’s disheartening that mostly, those elected get carried away by the regalia of political power; become sleepy on the duty of governance and disappointingly fail to show desired response abilities that come with such offices across all levels from the Presidency to ward councillorships. As evidence, this is seen in their inconsistent policies formulations, policies contradictions, ill-fated policies deviations and promises without fulfilment.

Away from that, while this piece is quick to accuse elected officials for lack of sincere will and woeful performances while in office, the electorates own the larger portion of the blame for their continued inclination to myopic choices of leaders, as well as their acceptance for continued manipulation by ill-minded politicians who share monies and other baits and find their way to elective office.

 It’s a shocker, yet a reality, that the orientation of a typical Nigerian voter, most of whom are ignorant, swims in how financially loaded and lavishing is a political candidate. Little wonder, a serving minister of the Federal Republic, in a purported viral video, boasted as saying (in Hausa), ‘…we have enough money and resources and will use them to get what we want…’ The minister under reference implied votes buying.

He understands very well that the psyche of Nigerian voters is irresistible to politicians’ short-term flashing generosity that is mostly bankrolled by proceeds of corruption, which even Mr Minister under reference could hardly claim innocence.

The electorates should understand that commercialisation of politics carries underlying undesirable outcomes and is so irrational to complain of misgovernance and lack of significant development as is being witnessed. With few exceptions, evidence of decayed infrastructures, misgovernance and misrepresentation abound in many states and constituencies, respectively.

Niger State, for example, since 1999, when democracy was birthed, is still beset with serious underdevelopment, insignificant modern infrastructure, and zero industrialisation across its 25 local government areas. In spite of her strategic location with large federally connected road networks, there is yet very insignificant federal attention and presence.

It’s over 76,000 square kilometres landmass are largely arable, fertile and endowed with mineral resources, but the living condition of her population is not exalted. Outside the state civil service, which only accommodates very few individuals, the situation of most Nigerlites is pitiable.

In fact, the experience of a typical Nigerlite since democracy, from one dispensation to the other, is either that of a governor who was been ‘misinformed/lied to’ by certain appointees about projects not carried out because of inadequate monitoring, non-interest for feedbacks with little demand for accountability (if any) from such ‘trusted’ appointees; or of a governor who used oratorical prowess to his advantage rather than altruistic; or even of a governor who is presumed disposed to nepotism and ‘emi-lokan’ tendencies.  

In the enlightened view of this piece, whether these assumptions are perceived or real, they are enough grounds for legitimate discontent by Nigerlites, having witnessed elements of good governance and effective public service delivery from certain state governments while no such or their equals are replicated in Niger state for 23 years of democracy and still counting.

So, it’s wise to conclude that even in a democracy, the choice is not enough; the best choice is rather the determinant for good governance and satisfactory delivery of dividends of democracy, as seen in Governor Umara Zulum of Borno State.  It’s also wiser to understand as Nigerlites that we can only determine the best choice for Minna Government House in 2023 when we assess candidates using some preconditions as follows:    

Character excellence: Character is an observable behaviour reflective an individual’s public conduct. A person who has a great worth of character shows self-discipline, integrity, ennobles candour and accountability. It also embodies the spirit to accommodate divergent views and public criticisms because they are critical to the makeup of a liberal democracy. Thus, those candidates who are easily allergic to views and public opinions do not deserve to be governor of Niger State.

Additionally, the seat of governance is characterised by multiple broad remits that often have timelines if dividends of democracy are to be adequately delivered, as is the case in Borno State; therefore, this best choice must be he/she who has a forward-looking and goal-setting spirit with the nerve to follow them through to reality. This means Competence and capacity.

In contradiction to the likely unrefined thinking of those vying to become governor of Niger State, it is much more than travelling with numerous convoys, irresponsible show of temporal political power and reckless spending of taxpayers’ monies.

Noteworthy, to identify this best choice with ease, Nigerlites must look at the antecedents of all governorship candidates from their character, an exhibition of competence and capacity, and employment of labour (of Nigerlites). Study their various social and economic projects of the past, considering the resources at their disposals, which must have been born with peoples’ needs

As a result, we must decouple ourselves from shallow assessments of these candidates’ antecedents and use clear conscience beyond party leanings for valid judgements in order to determine the best choice for the Niger State governorship seat.

Any candidate (male or female) who possesses these thorough assessments in the excellence of character, competence/capacity and antecedent is a governorship candidate with substance and, therefore, most deserving of our mandates to spearhead the affairs of the state from the 29^th  of May,  2023.

Muhammad Danjuma Abubakar, a concerned Nigerlite, lives in Minna, Niger State Capital and can be reached via muhammadcares4u@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has accused his Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) counterpart, Alh. Atiku Abubakar, of being a liar.

Tinubu Tuesday argued that Abubakar was a liar who could not explain the source of his wealth, adding that there were a lot of contradictions in the information he gave.

Addressing the North-West Muslim leaders in Kano, Tinubu said, “They asked one of them. How did you get rich? He said he was doing transportation and motor vehicle business.

“He had forgotten that civil service (sic), you cannot do any other thing if you are a custom officer but farm. Who is lying to who? Who is contradicting who?” 

Tinubu mockingly threw the label against Abubakar to the delight of his supporters, who cheered him on at the event.

However, in 2020, Tinubu was reportedly accused of stealing public funds after Peoples Gazette’s report exposed some documents showing how Tinubu stole to enrich himself.

By Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani

Bauchi State APC Gubernatorial Candidate, Ambassador, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (RTD), CFR, had on 29 December 2022 flagged off a free medical diagnosis and treatment for eye patients at the Federal Medical Center, Azare. Hence such a philanthropic gesture earned him more support and love from the concerned citizen in the environs and beyond. 

Later, he joyfully went on to inspect a campaign office that was donated by Usman Sufy. Amidst cheers from supporters and well-wishers. Sufy, a young, dynamic youth leader whose personality is garnished with technical know-how and grassroots mobilization spirit, has assured his total commitment to the Air Marshall project; he joined the train with thousands of supporters across Bauchi State for the sole aim of an APC victory in the 2023 election. Indeed, Sufy’s relevance in the Bauchi political arena shall never be over-emphasized at this material time, and perhaps it will add more value to the Baba Sadieque movement. 

It’s very imperative to note that not only had sufy joined the train, holding the line with progressive minds, but he even meritoriously carried his lieutenant along in an eloquent, compelling, historical, rebounding, and overwhelming manner for the victory of Sadique. Remember, the Arabic meaning of my man’s name is “truthful,” which he symbolizes in all his dealings. 

The massive support the Progressive candidate is receiving in Bauchi North and indeed all over the state will sweep away all doubt, further secure his resounding victory, cement the naysayers’ doubt, yet, reposition the state, and usher in a new and refreshing era of hope, progress, and prosperity, in sha Allah. 

However, Sadique appreciated the resounding welcome and reiterated his commitment to repositioning Bauchi State on the path of progress and development. Yet he assures the people of Katagum that, when given the mandate in 2023, the APC government will focus on people-oriented programs/policies that will be beneficial to the populace of Bauchi State as a whole.

Tajuddeen Ahmad Tijjani writes from Galadima Mahmoud Street, Kasuwar-Kaji Azare, Bauchi State.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufa’i, expressed concern over the way some politicians were using religion and ethnicity to create division in their campaigns.

The governor also stressed on the need to punish policians using religion in their political campaigns.

He spoke at the commissioning ceremony of the head office of the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development held in Kaduna.

He stated that the 2023 election would be a golden opportunity for Nigerians to take region out of politics.

He said the 2023 elections presented a unique opportunity for Nigerians to take religion out of politics.

El-Rufa’i was qouted to have said, “People are united in their poverty, in their need for education, in decent healthcare and to put food on their table, that is what we should focus on but some people are holding meetings to promote religious and ethnic division.

That is the last thing Nigeria needs at a time when the whole world is facing challenges of ultra-nationalism and global supply chain disruption.”

He then asked for forgiveness, saying, “We try to do what is right but only God is right, my apologies to anyone that I have offended, we have five months to go and I will like to leave and sleep in peace.”

By Abdulrahman Yunusa

“Democracy is based upon the conviction that there are extraordinary possibilities in ordinary people.” – Harry Emerson

Of course, it’s not obscure to anyone with an in-depth understanding of Politics and Democracy that strategy and astute plans play a pivotal role in setting a candidate on the track to success. And once one fails to plan well, the outcome becomes blurry and unappreciative.

My name is Abdulrahman Yunusa Darazo. I’m a staunch fan of Baba Sadieque Air Marshal and, at the same time, a State member of the Air Marshal campaign council who is additionally yearning to see the success of Amb. Air Marshal to uplift the status of Bauchi state in the sight of both indigenes and non-indigenes.

However, it came to our notice with tremendous and utmost dismay that in the recent campaign of our candidate on Thursday, 22 December 2023, which is the most crucial step in his political voyage. He and his cohort have goofed tremendously this time at the beginning of the game, for they could have made an attractive move. Yet facing one of the most shrewd political actor-cum-incumbent governors of the state. 

Though I must acknowledge that they gathered a mammoth crowd in his first official political campaign, that is not the only way to sell a product. Having many eyes with a dearth of good marketing strategies brought nothing good to the seller. However, when the product is qualitative and still accompanied by good packing, it stands a better chance of being sold quickly.

Sorry to say this, but to my knowledge, the recent outing is one of the most haphazard,  unstructured,  and virtually ill-organized campaigns to have ever taken place in Bauchi state. Therefore the Campaign DG and his team need to wake up and adjust for a better war which is imminent against us. They should discard the holier-than though attitude of feeling they can do it alone.

The dark horse often lurks and waits for a chance to pick and use it against poor managers and political strategists. This tells a lot about the future of this ambitious journey.

More so, the event was packed with lacunae as some stakeholders needed to be carried along in the process. In short, the Campaign Committee should have honoured the members ranging from Local government to the state level with a bit of exception as both have never been briefed ahead of the campaign exercise. Thus,  even some groups among the Artisans were busy complaining covertly for the inconvenience meted yesterday at the Campaign ground.

Hence giving the wrong impression that they have all it takes to go a long way with such a poorly designated team. What are they trying to insinuate, for God’s sake, is rendering our kerfuffle, registering and voicing our grievances as diehard supporters of Baba Sadieque an offence? Let it be if it is, but we must speak for the goodness of Sadieq Baba’s candidature.

Nevertheless, I have a question to ask at this juncture, which requires no response. What are they planning to gain with such a poor outing? What do they stand to achieve with such a gang of uninformed men surrounding our future governor if they tend to go this hazy way? Just ponder on these two questions in soliloquy.   

As a matter of urgency, we need to build something gigantic and reliable that can stand the test of time. Something which even our foes would find hard to fathom, let alone penetrating to score some political points against us. Until we become wary and intelligent of our affairs, our contending parties could take advantage of our parochial approach and use it against us. God forbid.

Conclusively,  it is evident that there is another crucial task to undertake, particularly in the Election. And ignoring some figures thinking they have no relevance whatsoever, won’t be a brilliant idea because they could be the ones to root for massive votes for our giant candidate Amb. Saqieque Air Marshal.

A stitch in time, save nine.

Abdulrahman Yunusa writes from Bauchi and can be reached via adulrahmanyunusa10@gmail.com.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

Professor Kingsley Moghalu, a politician and former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said that withdrawing from partisan politics has given him happiness and peace of mind.

Moghalu disclosed this in a tweet on his verified Twitter handle on Wednesday.

According to him, partisanship is divisive and it is time he contributed to nation-building from a nonpartisan perspective.

“I am happy and have found peace in withdrawing from partisan politics. No apologies. As a citizen I will always have my preferences and will vote for specific candidates, but there are times and circumstances when one can better contribute to nationbuilding from a nonpartisan perspective” He said.

Moghalu also disclosed that he would not publicly endorse any candidate despite calls from different people that he should do so. He noted that he could not publicly support such candidates because they were not in anyway like him.

“I understand the passions and goodwill of those who argue on this street that I should formally “declare/campaign for this candidate or the other. They argue so because they believe my views are listened to and may be “influential”. But I urge such people to also understand, and respect my own personal decisions. They have not, like I have been, presidential candidates (without having a war chest of stolen public funds) or stood in the arena. bloodied but unbowed. No regrets, but only I know what I have sacrificed, the personal price I have paid.” He stated

In June 2022, Kingsley Moghalu lost the presidential primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and resigned his membership of the party after the defeat.