Kebbi Central senatorial primaries and the Bagudu factor

Although Senator Adamu Aliero is now FCT Minister, he is still deeply concerned about who should fill the Senate seat he vacated after his appointment into President Yar’adua’s cabinet. Therefore, he sponsored Alhaji Mohammed Mai-Eka as his candidate for the primaries held on the 12th of November 2009. In terms of connection, Mai-Eka appeared a […]

Although Senator Adamu Aliero is now FCT Minister, he is still deeply concerned about who should fill the Senate seat he vacated after his appointment into President Yar’adua’s cabinet. Therefore, he sponsored Alhaji Mohammed Mai-Eka as his candidate for the primaries held on the 12th of November 2009. In terms of connection, Mai-Eka appeared a formidable candidate because he had the backing of both Alhaji Adamu Aliero and Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, the National Vice Chairman of the PDP. In fact, Mai-Eka is Dr. Bello’s younger brother. By every political permutation, Mai-Eka was initially perceived as lucky because of the two influential political figures behind him. In fact, the sheer financial muscle of Alhaji Adamu Aliero alone, who holds one of the most lucrative appointments in Yar’adua’s government, was seen as a major advantage to Mai–Eka.

However, when the senatorial primaries were finally held, Mai-Eka was resoundingly defeated by Alhaji Atiku Bagudu who won almost two thousand votes while his challenger trailed behind with mere 127 votes. If money was the only factor needed, Mai-Eka could have performed better. It is therefore, obvious that personal qualities and popularity of the contestants and the new momentum to redefine the future direction of Kebbi politics counted more than the factor of money.

As Thomas Jefferson argued, “the will of the people is superior to a standing army.” And, indeed, popular support counted tremendously in favour of Alhaji Atiku Bagudu. Despite his tremendous wealth, his humility appears to be the major consideration that endeared him to the people of Kebbi State. Supercilious attitude usually repels politicians from the hearts of the people and therefore makes them lose the good will of the masses.

Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, is however, not your typical Nigerian politician who believes the people can be forced to sell their conscience. His incredible humility is the major source of his political magnetism and strength. It may sound amazing but Alhaji Atiku Bagudu had the modesty to interact with the people, regardless of social or economic status. He identifies with ordinary people by personally attending their weddings, naming ceremonies or funerals. Such interaction reinforces the ordinary people’s sense of self-worth. This is a politician who goes on foot from door-to-door, soliciting the support of the people. It is not surprising, therefore, why he has tremendously endeared himself to millions of ordinary voters.

Unlike other opportunistic politicians who identify with the ordinary people only when they are desperate for votes, Atiku Bagudu has always been a friend of the ordinary people. He shares in their joys and sorrows and renders automatic assistance to those in need of succor. His previous political victories, which were scuttled out of envy and blackmail, didn’t stop the people of Kebbi Central from voting for him again.

The will of God is like an unstoppable hurricane and that is why previous attempts to frustrate Atiku Bagudu have not diminished or eliminated the people’s affection for him. Indeed, this unassuming young politician has proved that you can possibly delay a man’s destiny but you cannot stop it. The people of Kebbi Central reacted with spontaneous joy because their votes counted in the end.

However, as is common with politicians that kick against even an honest defeat, Atiku’s opponents have alleged that Governor Saidu Dakingari’s administration in Kebbi State deployed government funds to ensure Atiku’s victory. One of his opponents, Ibrahim Ruwa Bunza, who wrote in the national dailies, alleged that the Kebbi State Government withdrew N95 million from the joint account of the 21 local governments and that another N250 million was made available to bribe delegates to the just concluded primaries.

His allegations are not only preposterous but also childish in the mind of any discerning reader. The writer felt he had no duty to substantiate the allegations because this has been the political tactics of losers to gain sympathy. Atiku Bagudu enjoys tremendous voter good will and the question of using state funds to finance his election is mere diversionary ploy. In fact, the Senatorial primaries rank among the most transparent in recent years. If Atiku’s opponents had won, the allegations of bribing delegates would have been a different story.

The recent political development in Kebbi State is a positive sign for our democracy as the voters are now resisting the culture of imposition. Contrary to the allegations that the Kebbi State Government was behind Atiku Bagudu, we should not run away from the factors that accounted for his victory. He believes in the supremacy of the voters’ will and, through his humility and kindness, he was tremendously able to win their trust. The greatest source of his opponents’ influence is money. They forget, however, that the authority of a genuine politician is founded on the hearts of his people.

Garba Tarasa wrote in from Block 39, Sir Mobalaji Bank-Anthony Road, Victoria Island, Lagos