Binani and the selection of a running mate
By Joseph Ezekiel With the success of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani as the candidate of APC in the 2023 elections, the process of regaining the tenancy of Government House, Dougirei by the party is almost certain. With the near total unity of all stakeholders and the candidate’s profile, victory is certain. This indeed is […]
By Joseph Ezekiel
With the success of Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani as the candidate of APC in the 2023 elections, the process of regaining the tenancy of Government House, Dougirei by the party is almost certain. With the near total unity of all stakeholders and the candidate’s profile, victory is certain. This indeed is the nightmare of the opposition and the inevitability of the 2023 elections. It is not the result of overconfidence, but rather the result of the reality of the situation on ground in the state. A kind of reality, which some people say even the blind can feel if not see.
It is in keeping with her team spirit that she had been consulting with fellow aspirants, party leaders and stakeholders in all matters that concern the progress of the journey to reclaiming the tenancy of Government House ,Dougirei.
One such issue that came up recently is the issue of choosing a running mate to fly the APC flag with her in 2023. Many people are of the view that choosing a running mate is the prerogative of the candidate. When such a matter was tabled before Senator Binani, she said even the candidature did not belong to her alone. It is a collective responsibility shared by her, the party leadership and all the members of the party in Adamawa State. She believes that it is all of these stakeholder groups that will select a suitable running mate for her. Thus, she set up a high powered committee to consider all eligible persons and make appropriate recommendations.
That committee was made up of representatives of the party leadership, which include the Chairman, Ibrahim Bilal, the secretary and the treasurer. It also included some very senior stakeholders and ordinary members of the party. The committee was to look at all eligible persons and make recommendations. On the face of it, the task looked simple and straightforward. But it turned out a very tough job.
Although Senator Aishatu Binani did not impose any conditions for the selection process, the committee according to one of its members knew that the task must involve thorough engagement. What made it more difficult was that the APC and indeed Adamawa State are blessed with a high number of eligible and credible persons. The committee considered character, political pedigree and electoral value. A running mate becomes the deputy governor upon victory and a deputy governor is just a heartbeat away from being governor. So the person must be capable of being governor.
In addition, the ideal running mate should complement the candidate. He or she must not come to the post with any scandal or political baggage. The running mate should also be a party man or woman to the core. Generosity and compassion were also key because they are the unique selling points of the candidate. The leadership of the party, headed by Ibrahim Bilal, made significant contributions in many areas. However, the pool of eligible persons was still very large. It is indeed a pleasant surprise that Adamawa State and indeed the APC have so many good people that can rule the state. The committee had hoped that narrowing the search to just one Senatorial zone will reduce the number. No. The number even increased.
According to one of the members, after lengthy deliberations, the committee succeeded in making recommendations that looked to them like a fulfillment of their mandate. They came up with some names for consideration by the candidate. That was when the committee received the shock of their lives. Senator Binani listened to them for hours without making contributions. The committee presented their facts, rationalised the basis of their choices and explained each recommendation on its merit. The candidate listened patiently. When she started to ask questions it became clearer to every member of the committee that she is indeed deeply committed to Adamawa State. She told them in plain terms that she is looking for a partner in the governance process, not a spare tyre who is just there to fulfil legal and electoral requirements. She was looking for another potential governor for Adamawa State.
That interface with Senator Binani was an eye opener for the committee members and a clear indication as to where she intends to take Adamawa if elected. She emphasised that the person to run with her must have the qualities of a governor and be a strong party man or woman. That the government that will be established by them must prioritise the party and its members. That her commitment to making the party the diver of governance under her watch is total. That establishing an appropriate reward system within the party is a priority for her. Above all, Senator Binani said her running mate must be compassionate and generous and not harbour any bias or sentiments towards any individuals, groups or sections of Adamawa State.
By the time the committee finished its work, the team chose Hon. Titsi Ganama, a former member of the House of Representatives and former Commissioner for Finance, Adamawa State.
Thus the process was a clear indication that the team that will fly our flag in 2023 is made up of two persons of good character and conduct who will propel Adamawa State to great heights. It was indeed another masterstroke by Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani.
Ezekiel wrote this piece from Jimeta, Adamawa State.