The future of 29 Nigerian states hang in the balance as voters go to polls once more on Saturday April 11, to elect state governors – from Abia to Zamfara.
Despite the lingering euphoria of the victory of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, over the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan, a competitive mix of results is expected.
For most voters, the choice of who becomes governor is the classic case of politics versus economic management.
State powerhouses like Lagos, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, and Abia, which together account for over a quarter of the Nigerian economy, will be much coveted by the APC – to consolidate the gains of its victory at the centre.
The PDP on the other hand, will look to recover from its March 28 defeat and perhaps prepare ground for a formidable comeback in 2019.
Lagos State will be a closely watched election, as Akinwumi Ambode (APC) – a one-time accountant-general of the state and Jimi Agbaje (PDP) – a trained pharmacist and corporate elite turned politician, battle for the $45 billion commercial capital of Nigeria (according to Renaissance Capital estimates).
The state has been ruled by the APC since 1999 but now presents a choice between tested political/economic hands and fresh economic ideas.
Kano State is Nigeria’s second wealthiest economy worth $17 billion, according to Rencap estimates.
The northern commercial hub will see immediate past deputy governor Abdullahi Ganduje (APC) pitched against Salihu Takai (PDP), a former commissioner in the state.
In neighbouring Kaduna, former FCT minister, Nasir El-Rufai will vie for the management of the $13 billion state economy in a keen contest with incumbent governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero.
The main contenders in oil-rich Rivers State are Nyesom Wike (PDP) – who resigned as education minister (state) under President Jonathan, to run for governor and Dakuku Peterside (APC) – a one-time commissioner under incumbent governor Rotimi Amaechi.
Amidst Nigeria’s dwindling oil revenues and an urgent need for diversification, the south-south state will be a useful fallback for the newly elected APC federal government, looking to claim victory in the $16 billion state economy.
In southeastern Abia State, banker turned politician, Alex Otti (APGA) will hope to leverage his experience in managing a leading Nigerian bank (Diamond) as he vies for the governorship seat against Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP), a former public servant under the incumbent governor Theodore Orji.
Abia State is touted as an emerging state powerhouse with the state capital, Aba, having the significant potential to become “Nigeria’s version of shimmering Dubai,” says Orji Kalu a former governor of the state.
Overall, Nigerians have been advised to vote with their conscience, as they go to the polls.
Birma Dauda, a member of the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Conference, highlighted the need to sustain the tempo of peace and tranquility that characterised the March 28 presidential and National Assembly polls.
Dauda, who spoke with BusinessDay, urged politicians, their supporters and indeed, all Nigerians, to sustain the respect of the international community, won through the peaceful conduct on March 28.
“We have already demonstrated that we can keep the peace and I want to advise all Nigerians to ensure that the exercise goes smoothly.” Dauda said from his base in Yola, Adamawa State.
Also speaking on peaceful elections, Chibuike Nwokeukwu, lawyer and former Commissioner for Rural Development and Environment in Abia State, expects an advancement of what happened on March 28 – “a quiet and a peaceful election”.
“I expect that a loser should accept defeat as the President [Jonathan] did.
Let us have at the back of our minds that whosoever wins on Saturday will only spend four years as it is being tenured, except he is given another mandate thereafter.
So, to that end, those who will not make it on Saturday should wait for another time.”
Alongside the state elections, will be voting for candidates seeking to represent their constituencies at the State House of Assembly level.
Both elections are predicted to throw up more surprises than the March 28 presidential elections, as major parties win or lose in unexpected places.
Akin-Olusoji Akinyele & Zebulon Agomuo
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
