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The overwhelming support for President Muhammadu Buhari from governors under the All Progressives Congress, APC, has not waned. Rather, it’s growing across the nation. Even some are promising hypothetical numbers of votes that could be obtained by President Buhari come 2019.
But the battle cry seems to have been dimmed by the man himself. Last week, the President mentioned that he needs more time before he could decide on his political future, a message conveyed to journalists by the Imo Governor and Chairman Progressives Governor Forum, Rochas Okorocha.
A little over a month ago, when seven APC governors leaped forward to confess their desire for President Buhari to seek re-election for a second term in office come 2019, their positions appear undaunted despite the President’s current disposition.
Yobe Governor, Ibrahim Gaidam a second term Chief Executive has been in the corridors of power for some time and maintaning a close relationship with Buhari could ensure that continues into the foreseeable future.
This civil servant turned politician has a lot on his plate at the moment. The recent abduction of 110 Dapchi schoolgirls has dipped his approval rating immensely. The feat was bad enough but the poorly managed information concerning the suppose rescue, conflicting figures and the truth that none had been found was truly damaging to say the least. The silence of the Military and the raw anger unleashed by the parents at the governor and his convoy, show the level discontent of the handling of the situation which by all account is a political nightmare that depicts gross incompetent on the part of those who should provide safety for the public.
Gaidam been in power at the top for some time having served as the Deputy Governor of Mamman Ali in 2008. For someone who has stayed in the corridor of power for so long despite starting from humble background. The desire to stay relevant would be quite compelling. So, a seat in the Senate is the natural progression or a Ministerial appointment will be the next point of call for this Accountant. It is worthy of note that his state is one of the worse affected by the Boko Haram scourge that ravaged the North East of Nigeria and as such a focus for Development Agencies.
Time will tell if Gaidam is just playing to gallery or fighting for political survival as he had previously professed loyality to former President Goodluck Jonathan.
Adamawa Governor, Jibrilla Bindow is another trying to prove his loyality to the cause. The party on which he rose to governorship lost its supposed financial backer and kingmaker in the state, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar. The Waziri Adamawa left the ruling party, All Progressives Congress for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party last year. This led to a debate in the state on who stays and who follows Atiku to the PDP.
Although, Governor Bindow had assured that he will not decamp with Atiku to the opposition, pledging and encouraging President Buhari to contest in 2019, is a firm way of showing that he truly believes in the President. Even if his visits to Aso Rock had been fewer before, now he sincerely needs to prove that he is with the main team and neither on the fence against the APC.
Niger Governor, Abubakar Bello is also on the queue to have Buhari come back in 2019. His reason may not be unconnected with his personal desire to return as governor on a second term. Another reason could be to protect his family’s rich investments in Nigeria and some parts of the world. Premium Times had recently linked him to some undisclosed investments and property on the Virgin Islands.
We had before now in the first part of this features titled: Buhari and governors on deadly endorsement mission, listed Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano, Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Yayah Bello of Kogi and Simon Lalong of Plateau as those working very hard for Buhari to return to the Aso Rock Villa in 2019.
Time obviously will tell if they all truly believe in this venture or otherwise.
