In no
particular order we have assembled politicians whose actions
,influence,ambitions and affiliations vibrates the Nigerian political
landscape. These politicians are the people to watch as the electioneering season for 2015
General elections draws closer.
1.Rt Hon Aminu Tambuwal: The
speaker of the federal House of Representative will be a truly national
candidate from the northern origin if all these rumors about him being courted
by the opposition party APC, to cross over and run for president under its platform is true. His performance in the lower house has raised him many supporters. In reality, he won’t be a newcomer if he
crosses to the APC, he was formerly in ANPP- a merging member of the APC-
before joining PDP. In addition, he became Speaker through the structure he
gained from the opposition. More so, under his leadership, legislators under the
factional new PDP have successfully
defected to the APC. A candidate of Tambuwal’s nature possesses a strong
charisma that can dilute the typical resentment that some Southerners have
about core Northern leadership. Tambuwal will be 49years old in 2015 and may be
the youngest of all likely heavyweight presidential aspirants. This is an advantage
in a clime with many young voters.
2. Former Vice President Atiku
Abubakar: A man with nine lives. A veteran of so
many wars with presidents. The most evident one was with his ex-boss, the former
President Olusegun Obasanjo. The former Vice President of Nigeria seems to be
mustering his last energies to seek another shot at the presidency before
retiring. Age we know does not seem to be on his side. He played a decisive and
prominent role in the factionalism that hit PDP, his former Party. One of the
consequence of that rebellion is the Bloc shift of five PDP governors in one
day and the mass defection at the National Assembly members to APC. This play out according to
political strategists is likely a signal to end the PDP's monopoly as the only
national party in Nigeria. At present, we are faced with one reality , and it is that PDP may
never remain the One united force anymore--at least before 2015.
3. Governor Rotimi Chibuike
Amaechi: The Governor of Rivers state and the
Chairman of a faction of the Nigeria Governor's Forum has suddenly become a formidable force to reckon with ahead of the general
elections. Thanks to Mr President who didn't manage the 'home' conflict very
well. Of all the structures to guard diligently, the Home zone of Niger Delta
should have been the priority of Mr
President. But as it stands now, with Governor Amaechi’s charisma and his grip
on Rivers state, there seems to be a looming danger that can rock the
President's boat right under his nose. Amaechi at the moment has been fingered
to be bracing up for a Vice Presidential slot which no doubt will have to
battle with the President's ambition. The interesting thing about all the
conflict is that pro-Amaechi have reduced the battle to Rivers vs Bayelsa. A
good thing for Amaechi’s camp and Rivers as a whole who records have it to have
given the President his largest ‘state’ vote of 2.1 million in the last general
elections in 2011.
4.Governor
Sule Lamido: The Jigawa governor became a force to
reckon with following the rumored endorsement for the race to become Nigeria's
first citizen by Former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Although, the claim was
doused by party stalwarts, the
relationship between the two suggests that the claim is very close to the
truth. And Lamido has used the opportunity of the support he enjoys from the
Rtd General as a means to air his views and criticize the party's leadership
when necessary . He is in fact one of the G7- the caucus of the new PDP.
Although five governors out of the seven have moved to APC , Govenor Lamido
remains a member of the PDP. And he may
be staying behind for three reasons; first, it may be because of his son’s
money laundering trial. Two, he may be standing back to contest the party
primaries with President Jonathan or Lobbying to replace Namadi Sambo as GEJ’s
running mate. Lastly, he may just have given up his ambition and acting as a
top spy in order to actualize the ‘Northern Agenda.’ But with the fresh rumor
that three more PDP Governors set to cross over to APC, it may just be the
announcement of Lamido’s voyage.
5. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo:
Jonathan's presidency today is as a result of the unequalled support of former President
Obasanjo. Although, President Jonathan has relegated him in the scheme of things,
Chief Obasanjo still possesses an army of 'boys' that remain ever
loyal to his call and course. This is evident in the colossal influence that he still wields within the polity. And to write
him off in PDP's power tussle, is to sign one's political 'death' warrant.
This is a fact that even his adversary knows very
well. For few months now OBJ has been
in the news for either writing an Open
(indicting) Letter or making anti-Jonathan remarks. Come 2015 OBJ will test his
popularity again, this time ,perhaps,
by endorsing a candidate as he did in the last general elections in 2011.
6. President Goodluck Jonathan: The
sitting President of Nigeria, no doubt, is at the centre of the 2015
presidential elections. He will remain the favourite in this contest because he
is the man to beat. Like the defending champion returningg to the ring to defend his title, GEJ is
preparing for 2015 elections. Although, it is widely perceived that the alledged 'one term pact' he signed in 2011 with
the governors and the reality that he has performed below expectations are the
reasons behind the resentments towards him by both party members and a large
number of the population including his political Godfather- Former President
Obasanjo. He is still the most powerful politician at present being the
President and Commander-in-Chief. Thus, whatever way it goes, he will play a very active role in who wins in the 2015
election.
7. Former
Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu: The former Governor of Lagos
state is the most vibrant voice of the opposition in Nigeria. His quest for a
viable opposition inspired championing the formation of the All Progressive
Congress (APC). The
party formed with the merging of the three big opposition parties (of ACN, CPC
and ANPP). There is a new addition to the merger list- the New PDP. His
influence in the South West region is a big plus and a leverage ahead of 2015.
His party is in charge of five states out of the six states that make up the
South West. The Jagaban is bracing up
well to capture power for his party the APC in what the people perceives to be
the "operation wrestle power from PDP in 2015". His political weight
will be a factor in who finally wins the poll.
8. General
Ibrahim Babangida: As a former Military President,
a PDP stakeholder and a Nigerian of the Northern origin, IBB as a leader will
be a voice in 2015. His influence still spans across the Niger and is perceived
across sectors of Business, Politics and the military, etc. IBB already
admitted he's no longer contesting but we can be assured he would be ready to
give support to the Northern agitation of power shift in 2015.
9. General Muhammadu Buhari: This is
still the only Presidential candidate that gives the opposition sleepless
nights because of his reputation as an honest and disciplined leader. But age
might just be reason the former CPC presidential candidate will throw in the
towel for 2015. However, his influence and credibility will still play a vital
role in the weight that the opposition pulls. Gen Buhari seems to be the most
influential man from the North and his voice will echo power come 2015.
10. Chief Tony Anenih:
Despite the Edo polls' humiliating defeat that deflated his ego and influence as
the invincible Godfather of Edo politics, Chief Anenih still enjoys the
goodwill of President Jonathan. Mr Fix it as he's often referred to is ready to
justify all the kind gesture that the present administration have bestowed on
him. Presently, he holds two relevant positions. First, as the Chairman of the
Board of Trustee of his party the PDP and secondly as the Board chairman of
Nigerian Ports Authority. With these two positions, it has been alledged, it is expected of Mr Fix it to gather both economic and
political returns formidable enough to actualize Jonathan's 2015 ambition.
As the politics and politricks
continue we should see a few adjustments in this list.
*Showunmi Rex (remirex@yahoo.com;
@remirex). UNILAG trained Socio-political Philosopher.
