2015: Kano guber debate and other issues

In the build up to the elections, various activities by different parties, candidates and organisations were lined up, part of which was debates for candidates aspiring to become president and those hoping to occupy various government houses across the country. One of such debates was organised for Kano State governorship candidates by the Centre for […]

In the build up to the elections, various activities by different parties, candidates and organisations were lined up, part of which was debates for candidates aspiring to become president and those hoping to occupy various government houses across the country. One of such debates was organised for Kano State governorship candidates by the Centre for Research and Democratic Studies, Mambayya, Bayero University Kano, in collaboration with some media organisations in state and anchored by the Head of Mass Communications Department of BUK, Dr Balarabe Maikaba. This epoch making event which was held on the Saturday, January 31, 2015 was not only well attended but widely listened to and watched on the electronic media.
However, as important as the event was, some governorship candidates did not only show lack of commitment to democratic values by refusing to attend the programme but failed to show responsibility by not sending a word of apology for their inability to attend the event thereby leaving their seat vacant throughout the session. Although, a handful of politicians are aspiring to be the next governor of Kano state, it is instructive to note that, the governorship race in Kano is unarguably a two course race between the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Abullahi Umar Ganduje and that of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Salihu Sagir Takai. Therefore without mincing words the debate was clearly an opportunity and a platform for the two leading contenders to win the hearts of those voters who are yet to make up their minds on who to vote and also have no clear or are not sympathetic to any political party, this group of voters who are usually in the majority are referred to swing voters, therefore any politician who toe with this group is in for a shock at the polls.
Interestingly, while the APC candidate, Abdullahi  Ganduje didn’t find it appropriate and necessary to attend and also not sent a word to the organisers and by implication the teeming audience both at the venue and those listening and viewing through the electronic media, the PDP candidate, Salihu Takai indeed show responsibility and commitment to democracy by not only attending the programme with majority of his campaign team members, supporters and admirers but also took time to painstakingly explained his programmes for Kano if elected  Governor of the state.
What I find most humbling is the fact that, on that fateful day of the debate, Takai was billed to be at his campaign rally in Gabasawa, Gezawa and Minjibir local government areas, but for the importance and respect he has for the organisers, invitees and audience of the debate, he cancelled and postponed the governorship tour for that day and attended the debate. What a democrat! Another interesting aspect of the debate was the way the soft speaking PDP candidate presented his key areas of focus if elected Governor which he said would be” a compassionate people’s centred government that believes in security and respect for the people, human, infrastructure and economic development, purposeful leadership guided by Shari’ah and the rule of law, and concern for the environment.
He added that, if elected, his government will pursue an agricultural revolution in addition to pursuing a well articulated economic policy that would revamp commercial activities in Kano through a comprehensive review of harsh and repressive policies imposed on the state by the current Rabi’u Kwankwaso administration which have continued to drive businessmen from outside the state. Aside this gubernatorial debate which clearly places Takai ahead of Ganduje, another aspect of the governorship contest which gives the PDP candidate an edge over that of the APC, is the personal attributes of the two gladiators and the manner in which they are going about canvassing for the mandate of Kano people.
In this regard, a quick look at the credentials of the two candidates will leave no one in doubt that Takai is the man to beat in the Kano governorship contest. Takai who was commissioner for Water Resources and that of Local Government under the Shekarau led administration enjoys a public testimony of incorruptibility, accountability and probity. On the other hand, despite the fact that Ganduje is the candidate of the ruling party in Kano which is the main advantage he has, still there seems to be serious opposition against his candidature particularly by those who are aggrieved with the conduct of the party’s primaries. Also, the harsh and repressive policies of the APC-led government in Kano are a big hurdle standing on the way of Ganduje. Other major challenges facing the Ganduje’s ambition include his old age and other social challenges that are well known to an average Kano man. From the forgoing, it is clear that the PDP is ready for a victory in Kano with the fielding of Takai.
Dan Sa’idu wrote in from Layin Kallah, Gigimyu Quarters, Kano