By Moses Olili
It has been pulsating moments for political gladiators across the political terrain with the commencement of the much anticipated party primary elections such as the presidential, gubernatorial and parliamentary levels.
Whilst party supporters observe with bathed breadth to see how their preferred choices fare going through the baptism of fire and hope they emerge victorious. Though these events are intrinsically party affairs, it has been characterised by reports of treachery, monetisation, back stabbing, accusations and counter – accusations, ululations and ambivalence of emotions by some of the participants.
Defining moments in the exercise for the ‘Green Chamber’ sent some shockwaves as some notable names lost out in their bids while some others opted not to seek re-election: Bashir Ahmad, President Buhari’s New Media aide, who was trumped by Honorable Gaya Mamud, the incumbent representing Gaya/Ajingi /Albasu constituency of Kano State. Similar fate befell some others as there was a purge in Katsina state where eight incumbent House of Representatives members in the All Progressive Congress (APC ) saw their chances of staging a return fade away – one of whom Fatuhu Muhammad is a nephew to the President. In Edo State, Joe Ediomuele who represents Esan Central/ Esan West/Iguebe Federal Constituency lost his third term bid. In Delta State, Honourable Leo Ogor opted not to seek re-election in what would have been a record sixth term.
In the Senate, Senator Moses Cleopas of Bayelsa Central District of the PDP lost out on his quest to making a return. In like manner, Ayo Akinyelure of the PDP missed out on his quest to pick the ticket. Gershon Bassey of Cross River State (PDP ), James Manager of Delta State (PDP ), George Sekibo of Rivers State (PDP), Christopher Ekpeyong of (PDP) and Akon Eyakenyi (PDP ) of Akwa Ibom didn’t make a return.
Names of successful candidates who clinched the APC gubernatorial tickets include : Kaduna State – Uba Sani. Jigawa State – Umar Namadi, Cross River – Bassey Out. Plateau State – Nentanwe Yilwatda Goshwe. Kebbi State: Dr. Nasiru Idris. Lagos State – Babajide Sanwo – Olu. Enugu State – Uche Nnaji. Gombe State – Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya. Nasarawa State – Abdullahi Sule. Boron State – Babagana Zulum. Ogun State: Dapo Abiodun. Zamfara State – Bello Matawalle. Rivers State – Tonye Cole.
Flag bearers of the PDP governorship exercise are: Abia State: Prof. Uchenna Ikonne. Adamawa State – Ahmadu Fintiri. Akwa Ibom State – Pastor Umo Eno. Bauchi State – Ibrahim Kashim.
Benue State – Titus Uba. Delta State – Sheriff Oborevwori. Enugu State – Peter Mbah. Gombe State – Muhammad Jubrin Bande. Jigawa State – Mustapha Sule Lamido. Oyo State – Seyi Makinde. Sokoto State – Sa- aidu Umar. Rivers State – Siminialayi Fubara. Taraba State – Lt. Col. Agbu Kefas (rtd). Zamfara State – Dauda Lawal. Nasarawa State – David Ombugadu.
Kwara State – Shuab Yahman Abdullahi.
Following the emergence of Atiku Abubakar as the Peoples Democratic Party Presidential flagbearer, it remains to be seen if this could be fourth -time lucky given his several bids to becoming the number one citizen of the country. All eyes will be keen to see how the Presidential primary of the All Progressive Congress (APC) pans out.