Progressives Congress,APC, in line with pre-convention predictions,
the question of who becomes the running mate of Major General
Muhammadu Buhari (retd) is on the front burner.
Earlier the matter had attracted so much controversy following
statements by Buhari, suggesting that he was not indisposed to the
possibility of picking a Muslim as his running mate.
"I have not absolutely closed my mind to picking a Christian or Muslim
as running mate if I get the ticket. Because I firmly believe that
Nigerians, having gone through what they have gone through, realise it
is not a matter of religion, but a matter of Nigeria.
Political confusionists
And the main religions, Christianity and Islam, they know and they
believe in the almighty God. The question of stealing and
short-changing people in the name of religion should stop. This new
phenomenon of religion is another blackmail political confusionists in
Nigeria are bringing to the fore," he said.
Even though his stance was backed with the June 12 presidential
election scenario, when Chief Moshood Abiola and his vice-presidential
candidate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, won on same fate ticket, the
heaven was literally let loose, as many objected to the possibility of
that.
With that level of controversy, indicating a general rejection of a
possible Muslim-Muslim ticket, it became obvious that aside religion,
ethnicity would be key in deciding the matter.
Before now, names that had been touted as likely running mates
include; Lagos State governor, Mr. Babarunde Fashola (SAN), former
Ekiti State governor, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Mr.
Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Olurumibe Mamoro, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (a former
commissioner in Lagos State), Senator Ajayi Borofice (currently
representing Ondo North in the Senate) and Mr. Wale Edun, a former
commissioner in Lagos State.
While the trio of Osibajo, Borrofice and Edun may have existed in the
realm of speculation, Ameachi, Oshiomhole, Fayemi and Mamora among
others, are still in contention.
Shortly before yesterday's exercise, speculations were rife that the
immediate past governor of Ekiti State, may be chosen.
His religion and political experience are the factors behind the
possibility of pairing him with Buhari.
Fayemi, who lost the last governorship polls is regarded as an urbane
politician, whose popularity extends beyond the South-West
geopolitical zone.
His robust civil society background also adds to his resume.
Fayemi, who has a Doctorate degree in War Studies from the University
of London, England, specializing in civil-military relations, is also
known to have had a cordial relationship with Buhari when he governed
Ekiti.
Before he ventured into full time politics, he was the Director of the
Centre for Democracy & Development, a research and training
institution dedicated to the study and promotion of democratic
development, peace-building and human security in Africa.
Prior to his establishment of the centre, he worked as a lecturer,
journalist, researcher and Strategy Development adviser in Nigeria and
the United Kingdom. He was Strategy Development Adviser at London's
City Challenge; research fellow at the African Research & Information
Bureau in London, UK. He also played key roles in sending the military
out of the Nigerian political firmament and was responsible for the
founding and management of the opposition radios - Radio Freedom,
Radio Democracy International & Radio Kudirat.
Amaechi's name is not new in speculations and permutations in the
presidential race, as he was generally alleged to have nursed the
ambition of paring with Alhaji Sule Lamido on the platform of the PDP.
Ardent Buhari
However, since his defection to the APC, the Rivers State governor has
been regarded as an ardent supporter of Buhari. For instance, the
former Head of State had been a frequent guest at most functions
organised by Amaechi.
Having emerged more of a democratic hero in the crisis that resulted
to his defection, Ameachi went ahead to become one of the leading
governors in the party, hence, his emergence as a likely running mate.
While it is the prerogative of the party to make a decision in that
respect, some believe that Buhari/Amaechi ticket remains the best for
the opposition party.
Mamora
As a two term senator, Mamora distinguished himself in the National Assembly.
So remarkable was his representation of Lagos East Senatorial
District, that many were shocked about his inability to return to the
Senate in this dispensation.
--Vanguard
Continue...
ReplyDeleteIn fact, governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, among other politicians, reportedly expressed shock over his withdrawal from the race in 2011.
Till date, the Ikorodu-born politician, who was a Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly is regarded as a widely admired politician.
Of note are his principles and deep knowledge of democratic norms, which he exhibited as the Senate Deputy Minority Leader.
Oshiomhole
Aside the fame he earned as a result of long period of activism in the labour movement, the Edo State governor ranks among the few governors, who had helped deepen this democracy.
This is widely evident from his utterances and actions on issues of governance.
Known to be rich in political experience, governance and foreign policy, he is reputed to command a lot of supporters across the country.
Little wonder, commentators described him as committed to national unity, a characteristic that manifested so much during his tenure as chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC.