Since the creation of Yobe state on August 27, 1991 by the Babangida administration, the state has been governed by the Kanuris mainly from Yobe East senatorial district, though, late Senator Mamman B.
Ali of blessed memory was able to break the jinks until he died two years into his four year term.
Gov.
Ibrahim Gaidam has achieved a lot in the areas of health, education, infrastructure, he has linked almost all the 17 local government areas with the state capital something which Senator Bukar could not achieve in his ten years stay in office.
These and other achievements may fetched Gaidam a goodwill from the people and may be used by him to advertise the anointed person and get the support of the electorate.
But recent happenings as regards the abduction of about 110 girls of Government Girls Science Technical College (GGSTC) Dapchi by the Boko Haram insurgents where the governor made a statement that angered the villagers which led to the vandalisation of about 10 vehicles on the Governor’s entourage is giving the governor a serious concern and is likely going to aff ect his political career and chances of his candidate in the 2019elections in the state.
Today, under the above caption we shall be looking at the under listed people whose body language and political movements have shown that they be likely to vie for the number seat in Yobe state.
The governorship aspirants of the two major political parties in the state are squaring up for the battle for the soul of the state.
Th ose that are likely to declare their interests on the platform of the ruling APC are: Saleh Abubakar, a former Chief of Staff to late Governor Mamman Ali and Governor Ibrahim Gaidam, and the present Head of Service, a season technocrat.
He is from Gashua town Yobe North senatorial district.
Saleh is widely belief to get the Governor’s backing because of his close relation with Gaidam.
He is seen and perceived to be highly principled which many political pundits in and around the state sees it as a shortcoming for him.
Dr. Senator Ahmed Lawan, a former Lecturer in the department of geography University of Maiduguri, incumbent Senator representing Yobe North Senatorial district, Senate Leader.
Lawan, like Saleh is also from Gashua town and has been in the National Assembly since the return of democratic rule in 1999.
Two time member from 1999-2007 represented Bade Jakusko federal constituency, Senator representing Yobe north senatorial district from 2007 to date and may have pulled a lot of resources to vie for the seat.
He is believed to win the support and cooperation of Gaidam in the 2015 general elections.
Gaidam was reported to have told the people of Gashua town where Lawan hailed from that if they would not vote for Lawan they should also forget about voting him (Gaidam) for the second term.
Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, a grassroots politician per excellence, former Karasuwa local government chairman from 1999-2002, former commissioner of Education, Housing, Water resources and Animal and Fishiries, former ANPP state party chairman and former DG campaign organization of Mamman Ali, Ibrahim Gaidam first and second term.
Ibrahim Bomai (aka Bala Basa).
Bomai, though a new man into politics was the former Bursar at Federal College of Education (Technical), FCE Potiskum, former Director of Treasury at FCDA, many believed has lots of money that can go round.
He is a grassroots philanthropist whose goodwill can to a certain extent fetch him people’s sympathy.
Gaidam is seriously seeking for someone that can give him a soft landing and this search can take him to all nook and crannies of the state even though people from Yobe East and north zones may not welcome the idea of somebody from Yobe south to the seat.
Khadiza Bukar Abba Ibrahim was the former Commissioner Women Affairs, former house of representative member representing Tarmua, Damaturu, Gujba and Gulani Federal constituency.
Present minister of state ministry of Foreign affairs, Khadiza is the daughter to late Waziri Ibrahim, a onetime presidential candidate under the platform of the defunct Great People Party (GNPP). Adamu Maina Waziri. As far as Yobe governorship contest is concerned Waziri, would not require any introduction both within and outside Yobe.
A former minister, a renowned and a staunch supporter of the PDP ideology.
He has been contesting under the platform of PDP for the governorship seat of Yobe since the return of democracy in 1999 to date, no retreat and surrender, the battle must go on.
Waziri, unlike other politicians, has never change party.
He has been contesting and losing the governorship ticket under his party the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
As it is now only time can tell who becomes the next governor in Yobe state, while those in the ruling party are waiting for Gaidam to anoint his successor, the PDP members are busy strategizing to take over power from the ruling APC in the state, a battle that no one can know the winner.
Saleh [email protected]. 08033499812
