Multiplication of gubernatorial aspirants

While interests for the Presidential race are still low, the list of citizens showing up for the number one citizenship at the state level is increasing by the day. The presidential aspirants are seemingly waiting for the position of President Muhammadu Buhari on reelection. For those who have declared interest for the governorship race, especially in states where the incumbent governor is seeking a second term, the grasses are awaiting the battle. While it is a semi-impossible mission for the “un-anointed” deputies to take over from their bosses, it cannot be ascertained in Nigeria’s politics how a Secretary to the State Government (SSG) can perform the wonders.

Looking across the country, two SSGs have declared; immediate SSG of Ebonyi state and ex-SSG of Nasarawa state. Of the deputy governors are those of Imo, Oyo and Ogun states. I am much more concerned about those who have served or are serving in their state governments, not those who are serving at the national level like members of the National Assembly – they are indeed many – or those hoping to come into the state government houses from outside.

Still counting, maybe by the time the party primaries commence, according to the timetable set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the list of gubernatorial aspirants, the serious-minded and the spoilers will swell.

• Nigeria does not need Buhari in 2019, he will kill Nigeria ―Fayose

Besides, it is quite uncommon for political office holders to resign appointments, amidst wide incompetence or failure, thus the Ebonyi case where a serving SSG resigned to run against his former boss in the 2019 race will definitely take a lot of twists.

But how many deputy governors would bear the consequences of facing their bosses in elections? In some states, deputy governors have been reduced to mere errand boys/girls, even if they are more educational certified. Of course, some deputy governors are PhD holders, far higher in educational qualification, more technically positioned and equally more practically motivational than their bosses. That is the politics of a nation! In such states, the SSG and some commissioners or even special assistants to the governor are more powerful than the deputy governors. This is not to talk of the limitless powers of the wives of the governors in comparison with that of the deputy governors.

In such states, for a deputy governor to be man enough to challenge his sitting boss is a herculean task. What type of superman a deputy or a serving appointee could be to take up such risk! If the sitting governor has served his second term but did not anoint his deputy to succeed him, there is hardly a level ground for free and fair primaries for all aspirants within same party. The governors hardly allow the will of the people to prevail. Will 2019 be different?

Muhammad Ajah

Abuja.