Borno 2011: How power will shift
Recent developments in the polity have thrown up certain challenges that may change the political equation in Borno state in 2011. One of such developments is the increasing tempo in the clamour for power to shift to the southern part, the only area that has never produced the governor of the state. The cries of […]
Recent developments in the polity have thrown up certain challenges that may change the political equation in Borno state in 2011. One of such developments is the increasing tempo in the clamour for power to shift to the southern part, the only area that has never produced the governor of the state. The cries of marginalization and the attendant call for power shift by the southern part are becoming too loud to ignore. Against this background, coupled with the reported promise by Borno state governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, to the effect that he will support a candidate from the south, there are strong indications that each of the political parties may be angling to present a governorship candidate from the southern part of the state.
Even with the speculated entry of the governor’s younger brother, Mala Modu Sheriff, into the governorship race, many still believe that the emergence of a candidate from the Southern senatorial district for the ruling All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, is more likely. The mood amongst various stakeholders, irrespective of political party affiliation is suggestive of a likely concession to the south to produce the next governor. This assumption has also thrown up a number of aspirants, all of whom are already busy campaigning to make history as the first chief executive to come from the area. The days ahead may produce even more aspirants from the south, while a dark horse looms in the background as governor Sheriff’s joker.
It remains obvious that Governor Ali Modu Sheriff has a grand political design for 2011 in Borno state, but people can only guess for now, as no one can claim to correctly read his lips, over who he is likely going to support as his successor in office. While some insist that he has been the driving force behind his brother, many others are not convinced that he has a hand in his brother’s governorship quest. A recent interview by one of his closest confidants lends credence to the belief that the governor’s name was only being mischievously used. This is further strengthened by his reported pledge at one of his political meetings with his supporters where he was reported to have said that none of his family members will vie for the office of governor after him.
Governor Ali Sheriff who has since commenced campaigns to consolidate the ANPP’s position in the state, is suspected to be grooming a director from one of the Federal Ministries in Abuja to succeed him. Feelers reveal that the director hails from Southern Borno. While people are left guessing, the political atmosphere is becoming increasingly charged, with different groups theorizing on what to do in the event that Governor Sheriff picks a candidate from outside his immediate political cycle. The recent entry of his Deputy, Adamu Dibal, in the governorship race seems to have opened a floodgate for the emergence of others. It is also seen as an indication that the coast is clear for the people of the south to contest. But one of the questions being asked is whether Sheriff can afford to sacrifice his own brother in the face of a tilt in political calculations.
So far, many aspirants have been identified and all are from Biu emirate, the area that has always produced the deputy governor. At the last count, one can speak about the incumbent deputy governor, Adamu Shettima Yuguda Dibal, in the ANPP, while Ambassador Saidu Pindar and Alhaji Zanna Mustapha, will slug it out in the PDP. The Congress for Political Change, CPC, which is fast gaining ground in the politics of Borno State, is believed to be waiting in the wings to pick a candidate from the south, in the event that a candidate is imposed on either the ANPP or the PDP, even as the Action Congress, AC, may have narrowed down on Mala Apagu Gadzama from Askira/Uba as its sole candidate. The People’s Progressive Party, PPA is reported to have adopted Mr B. M. Auta as its candidate.
Beyond the parade of known politicians who have so far indicated interest in the governorship from Borno South, investigations reveal that most of the activities going on is a mere façade, as already, there is an anointed heir to the office, who is likely to come from the civil service. One of the people being peddled as the likely choice is Alhaji Idris Mamman Durkwa, a Director of Finance and Accounts in the Federal Ministry of Health, from Hawul Local Government Area. Mamman a known confidant of Governor Sheriff, has been mentioned at various times as a likely contender for the office of the Governor of Borno state, even as a civil servant.
For now, Adamu Dibal remains the only aspirant to the ANPP, whose ambition is an open secret. His posters can be seen everywhere across the state, but he has not made a formal declaration to that effect. Dibal is seen to have paid his dues in the politics of the state having been consistently loyal to Sheriff, even when he is believed to have suffered a lot of deprivations, as the number two man in the state. He is a likely choice of the CPC in the event that Sheriff fails to give him the ANPP ticket. Dibal, who holds the title of the Sardaunan Biu, is also believed to enjoy a lot of support from traditional rulers in the state.
Saidu Pindar, Nigeria’s former ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, was the first to join the race in the PDP. He has a wealth of experience in public service and tremendous political goodwill at the national level.