North-West Regional Editor, Hassan Ibrahim, examines the race to the Government House in Kaduna State in 2015, concluding that some individuals are now perfecting strategies to succeed the incumbent governor, should he choose not to seek re-election into the coveted office.ALTHOUGH the political future of Kaduna state should not be held in conflicting views, there seems to be semblance with what transpired at the national level, some years back with the scenario that may play out in the state, come 2015 as prominent politicians are strategising to attain power. From this perspective, it would be recalled that President Goodluck Jonathan succeeded late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, who died in 2010.The political drama during that particular period in Kaduna State was just like what happened at the national level, except that the then governor of the state, who is the current Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mohammed Namadi Sambo was elevated to a superior office, giving way for the deputy governor at that time, Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa to make history as the first man to be stir the ship of the state from Southern Kaduna. Yakowa, who the predominantly Muslims in the northern part of the state are comfortable with, did not pass through the kind of rigour that gave President Jonathan sleepless night at the heat of the campaigns.Although the Yakowa-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)'s government had evolved mechanism to reconcile contending groups and harmonise various interests across the state through the formation of peace committees and empowerment scheme, the opposition, particularly the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Kaduna state, has not relented in its effort in bringing to the fore issue of alleged neglect of widows and hundreds of orphans, taking refuge in rehabilitation camps. Efforts by the wealthy businessman and sugar merchant, Dangote to put smiles on the faces of the displaced in Kaduna could not achieve a hundred per cent success, to mitigate their hardship.Similarly, the state government was accused of not preparing grounds for the conduct of local government election in good time, due to the fear of the unknown. Although campaign posters of those interested in local council executive offices are conspicous in all the nooks and crannies of the state, there appears to be no sign of readiness on the part of the state government to conduct the council poll. However, a fortnight ago, the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECOM) led by Mrs. Hannatu Binniyat had announced at a press briefing, that elections into the 23 local government councils would be conducted first day of December, 2012 and had even rolled out schedule of events for the poll. Nevertheless, the passage of a law, according to the state chairman of the PDP, Ambassador Nuhu Bojoga, which would give legal backing to the exercise is also one of the major things they have been waiting for as a prelude to the conduct of the local government election.The ruling party in the state had since conducted its convention at all levels in the state and those allegedly perceived as core loyalists of the state governor were chosen, almost by consensus to head party positions. Despite the hues and cries, the party had for now created platform to field candidates, who may shore up their electoral chances whenever the election holds.Similarly, Governor Yakowa, has since assumption of office, displayed calm and humility in governance, unlike what transpired during the era of his predecessors. Since the exit of Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, the former governor of the state, Yakowa has sustained a healthy relationship with the government at the centre for the benefit of his state.Although the governor never appeared desperate for another term in office, recent interview he granted a Kaduna-based newspaper indicated that he may be scheming to govern the state beyond 2015. Curiously, he had described as untrue his rumoured presidential ambition, just as he disowned individuals or group, flying such kite. To him, effective administration of Kaduna in such a way to fast track the steady socio-economic growth remains his topmost priority. However, investigation indicated that political manouvering and consultations were already on to pave the way for Yakowa to succeed himself in 2015, bearing in mind the crucial need to consolidate on the gains and visible achievements of his government.For now, his administration has focused more on the construction of roads and bridges, across the state capital, while some internal roads, in the rural areas have been rehabilitated. Besides, the state governor has also declared his readiness to make water available in all parts of the state, through the upgradement and construction of dams in some strategic areas.On security, the government has commenced the construction of barracks for the mobile police force unit as part of the moves to create conducive atmosphere for the security agents to discharge their duties effeciently.Political observers are also of the view that Yakowa may have solidified his rapport with all the major power blocs in the state.Credible source informed the Nigerian Tribune that the seeming feud between the erstwhile political camp of Vice President Namadi Sambo and that of Senator Ahmed Makarfi who handed over the reins of power to the former in the state had since been settled. Luckily for Yakowa, he is bound to enjoy a lot of political goodwill from both sides because he managed to play a neutral role while the misgivings lasted.These aforementioned facts among others, may give the governor another smooth sail to victory in 2015, most especially; if the opposition in Kaduna continue to remain in a state of disarray. But, should Yakowa and other major stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] create a level playing ground ahead of the contest for the occupation of Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna, the following prominent political gladiators may contend for the number one seat in the crocodile state.The list include Alhaji Mukhtar Ralaman Yero, the incumbent deputy governor, who was also a former commissioner of finance, when Sambo was the governor in the state. He is an accountant, with many years of experience and had carved a niche for himself in the private sector. Although critics had a field day when he assumed office, Yero was able to weather the storm and endure the rigours of higher responsibilities in the coming months. The dynamic Zaria-born politician demonstrated his competence recently, when the state governor appointed him the Amirul Hajj in 2011, a responsibility he carried out to the admiration of the authorities in Saudi Arabia; such that they organised a reception in his honour, where he bagged awards.Perhaps, the role played by Yero among others, could have informed the resolve of Yakowa to appoint him head of several committees in the state. These factors and many more, coupled with his closeness to Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, may undoubtedly encourage him to vie for the coveted seat in 2015, if the incumbent governor decides not to seek re-election.But, if Yakowa opts to take another shot at the governorship seat, the development may cause some upsets and subsequently create ground for a titanic battle between him and his boss.For now, Yero was not reported to have shown interest in Yakowa's job. But critics says signals emerging from Sambo's camp shows that Senator Makarfi is presently engrossed in the legal tussle to reclaim his seat in the National Assembly and the Vice President would not fold his arms in the unfolding power game.There are strong indications that he may do everything humanly possible to ensure that Yero or his special aide on media, Umar Sani becomes governor of the state in 2015.Similarly, another suspected contender for the governorship seat is the incumbent Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Lawal. The list also include Samaila Yakawada, who for many years had been a local government chairman and commissioner in previous administrations.The Giwa born politician was not hypocritical about his love for the hot seat in Kaduna state, should any opportunity beckons. Even before the 2007 election, Yakawada vied for the seat, but had to back down for some undisclosed reasons. Presently, he commands respect within the political circle in Kaduna and is enjoying a lot of goodwill from the grassroot, who sees him as one of them and could cater for their needs, if he eventually assume leadership in the state.Others, who are gradually oiling their political machinery against 2015 are former minister for transport, Hassan Hyat, Ambassador Sule Buba, Senator Ahmed Aruwa, who just decamped to the PDP from the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), Alhaji Shuaibu Mikati, Senator Isaiah Balat, among others.But, it is crystal clear that the battle for the soul of Kaduna may have begun with the evolving developments, while only time would determine who may eventually the occupy driver's seat come 2015.
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