Gombe 2019: Between Contenders and Pretenders
NEWS DIGEST – Gombe 2019 promises to be of higher political vibrations and high-wire politicking. Months to the general elections and the political space of Gombe state is already dominated by talks of who is capable of taking the baton of leadership from the outgoing Governor Dankwambo. Many names are repeatedly mentioned but the truth is some are genuine contenders while others are mere ‘pretenders’. Here we look at the top contenders as well as the top pretenders, their strengths and their weaknesses.
THE CONTENDERS (THE GLADIATORS)
- ALHAJI ABUBAKAR HABU MUAZU (YOUTH LEADER)
Popularly known as youth leader, Alhaji Habu muazu is surely a political heavyweight who came in to political prominence during the reign of Governor Danjuma Goje where he served as the PDP youth leader and a close confidant of Goje before they fell apart. He is a member of Gombe royal family and a philanthropist.
STRENGTHS
“Youth leader” as he is popularly called enjoys the support of the youths who view him as one of them, he equally enjoy the goodwill of the traditional institution. He is a robust grassroot mobilizer and a dogged fighter who never shy away from a political battle. His early preparations and campaigns put him in a good stead. His philanthropic gestures are an added advantage to help him achieve his aim of been the number citizen of the state, also Muazu appears to be strong especially looking at his former position as campaign manager for his erstwhile party in the state.
WEAKNESSES
He is said not to be on the good books of the immediate past Governor of the state, Danjuma Goje something that will make getting the APC ticket a herculean task for him. He is also a hot head though he can be forgiven for still being comparatively young. The kalare boys saga during the tenure of Goje is an allegation,it will also be recalled that in February earlier this year,the Gubernatorial aspirant who is seen as one of the standing pillars in the state,stayed away from the state Election of party Executives,a move that led to rife speculations about “Youth Leader” been at loggerhead with the ranks and file of the party, this may be a major weakness as the Election fast approaches.
- BARRISTER ABDULLAHI IDRIS (BARRISTER)
A trained lawyer and a former senator of Gombe central before he gave up the position to Goje, Barrister is surely a force to be reckon with in 2019. A former minister of transport during the last tenure of Goodluck jonathan and an experienced politician, no doubt Barrister have what it takes to be a governor.
STRENGTHS
He have a good political network across the state, he is experienced and intelligent, he is said to have no known feud or political disagreement with either Goje or other party leaders. He is also very rich, something that will put him on edge above other contenders. Also his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) was part of moves by the opposition party in the state to wrestle power from the People’s Democratic Party.
WEAKNESSES
It is said that he is virtually unpopular in most parts of Gombe north as well as Gombe south something that will hinder his chances. It is also said he didn’t do enough to his constituents during his membership of the senate as well as during his time as a minister. Of the lot however, Senator Umar,remains a threat to all the other aspirants, because of his close relationship with the leader of the party in the state, Goje. There has have however been reports of continued to attack his person and personality.
For instance, he was once accused of not sympathizing with the people of the state during the Boko Haram attack on the state.
SENATOR BAYERO NAFADA
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A seasoned politician, Bayero nafada is surely not a push-over in Gombe state politics. He has seen yesterday, today and hope to see tomorrow in the political arena of the state. A serving senator representing Gombe north and a political colossus where he wishes to.
STRENGTHS
He is the most politically tested among the 4 contenders, his political sagacity speaks volume of himself. He has maintained a vast political network across the state. He is said to be spontaneously rich and generous. He also come from Gombe north, the senatorial district with the highest number of local governments.
WEAKNESSES
Many see him as a person that treat people “abysmally”, he is said to have abandon his constituents since winning elections. Allegations of anti-party activities in 2015 in favour of PDP only confirm his firm control of Gombe north. It said that his heart and soul are already in PDP only his facade is in APC, his refusal to participate in the activities of Gombe APC only confirm to this.
AMBASSADOR HARUNA GARBA
A former senator who represented Gombe North, a former commissioner of finance and a former ambassador of Nigeria to Kuwait, popularly known as Magayakin Gombe, Haruna Garba rose to prominence during the early inception of Gombe State. They were the movers and shakers of the political space until he was sent to Kuwait for ambassadorial assignment. He is said to have done exceptionally well during his time as a commissioner, equally didn’t go to the Senate to warm the bench, impacting the society well and giving back to his constituents. Many residents are calling on him to throw his hat in the ring.
STRENGTHS
His experience as a financial expert, a former envoy and a former senator put him in a good stead. He is also generally seen as a receptive gentleman who lives a decent lifestyle. He also have a good relationship with Gombe elders as well as the Emirate council being the Magayaki of the Emirate himself. A philanthropist, he has invested so much in the people and now hope the people will reciprocate.
WEAKNESSES
He has remained politically silent for some time. He is also rumoured to be waiting the blessings of the incumbent governor, something that will delay his preparations.
THE PRETENDERS
- Alhaji Bala Bello Tinka
A wealthy business man and a contractor, Gombe metropolis is awashed with his posters and billboards but his lack of wide political network is a minus to him. He has previously failed in attempts to reach the house of Reps as well as the senate. He has no any official record of holding any office, hence his political credentials are greatly in doubt.
- Alhaji Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya
Many will dispute his position as a pretender but the reality is that getting the APC ticket in 2019 is a mission in futility. He is a person with so much decency and integrity but the political contest of 2015 in which he flew the candidature of Apc leave much to be desired from a genuine contender. It seems he lack the political muscle to put a proper challenge.
- Alhaji Faruk umar Bamusa
Kowa yagaji bai saba ba ! A business man and a philanthropist, Faruk Bamusa has been consistently in the political space of Gombe. He has previously contested different positions but failed to make it. It is greatly in doubt if he can mount a proper challenge this time. He is seen as a journeyman and a serial contender. Will 2019 be different? I doubt much.
ALHAJI UMARU KWAIRANGA
A successful businessman and a technocrat, the sarkin Fulani Gombe’s Governorship ambition still remain a wishful thinking because he doesn’t have the political clout of some of his contemporaries. This is also his first foray into politics which makes it difficult for to sail through the murky waters of Gombe politics.
NB: All opinions expressed in this article are strictly the opinion of the writer and not the opinion of any candidate, political party or organization.
Criticisms and suggestions are welcome
Abdulrahman Abubakar is a political scientist, wrote from Gombe state.
Contact: abdulrahmansolari@gmail.com
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