2015 and Kano PDP governorship ticket

Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the ruling party at the federal level, sadly, it is in the opposition in Kano State. Therefore, the choice of its flag- bearer will determine its performance in the 2015 governorship. This is necessary in view of the vicious stigmatisation of the PDP by the opposition APC, especially […]

Although the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the ruling party at the federal level, sadly, it is in the opposition in Kano State. Therefore, the choice of its flag- bearer will determine its performance in the 2015 governorship. This is necessary in view of the vicious stigmatisation of the PDP by the opposition APC, especially in the North. However, recent political developments in Kano State have rekindled hope for the PDP such that people from the APC and other parties are joining it in droves. Thanks to the defection of former Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau from the APC to the PDP which has unarguably added mileage in the party’s struggle for acceptability among Kano people. Yet, the PDP can only make the necessary impact in the 2015 elections in Kano only if popular candidates fly the party’s flag.
Those aspiring to clinch the Kano governorship ticket of the PDP are Malam Salihu Sagir Takai, Muhammad Sani Abacha, Dr Akilu Sani Indabawa, Engineer Bello Sani Gwarzo, Dr Mustapha Umar, Alhaji Abba Risqua Murtala Muhammed and Engineer Mansur Ahmed. These gladiators are of diverse backgrounds and political experiences; as such they are eminently qualified to hold any political office of their choice.
However, as a popular Hausa adage says, in the quest for facts, only absolute truth prevails. Available and realistic indicators have clearly shown that the only man capable of securing victory for the PDP in the Kano governorship election in 2015 is Malam Salihu Sagir Takai. The reasons are clear. Since he lost the 2011 gubernatorial election by less than 60,000 votes, he has remained visible and relevant in Kano politics. This is indicative of a loyal followership to the Shekarau dynasty which Takai is a prominent member. He has a combination of public and private sector experiences, both at lower and top echelon of these institutions. He has the most considerable grassroots base as a former local government chairman and commissioner for local government. He was at various times a state party official in the defunct DPN and lately the ANPP. He commands followership across Kano citizens.
The recent endorsement of Takai’s aspiration by the leading legacy PDP members is a testimony of his sterling quality and electability. I wish the party would conduct an independent check on these facts on Takai.
In the same manner, Takai enjoys an unequal acceptability among the various power blocs in Kano, talking about the elite, business community, the political class, the traditional institution, ulama, women and youth groups among numerous others due to his long years of public service, which he discharged diligently and honestly too. He is the only one among the candidates who has an existing political structure that traverses the entire Kano political landscape. In fact, this is one of the reasons put forward by those legacy PDP members when they resolved to rally round him.
Another advantage that Takai has over his fellow competitors is his incorruptible disposition which earned him the trust and respect of many people in the state. This is coupled with his spiritual trait which earned him the title of Malam. His fear of God is never hidden; hence he is fondly called him Salihi Maganarci.
In the case of other aspirants, there are those who are relying on either the wealth they inherited from their family (father) or the track record of their parents who at one time or another were at the helm of affairs in Nigeria. To this group of aspirants, it is a game of payback what father did to this country while the other assumes that money can buy everything; as such, his deep pocket is a sure way to success. Neither of the lads possesses the desired popular support among the citizenry.
It is clear that from this array of aspirants, Malam Takai stands a better chance to lead the PDP to victory. It becomes necessary for the members, especially delegates of the PDP in Kano State to ensure the emergence of this amiable God- fearing gentleman as the gubernatorial flag-bearer of the party, who will undoubtedly return the PDP to the Kano Government House in 2015. A word is enough for the wise.
From Muhammad Sa’idu, Giginyu, Layin Kalla, Nasarawa Local Government Area, Kano.