THISDAYonline

The year 2003 is certainly going to be a memorable one in the annals of Nigeria's chequered political history. It is a year that once again will test if the Nigerian politician possesses the much touted democratic instinct. It is going to prove if human beings in Nigerian have any regard for history. As the countdown to the next set of elections is approaching, the political gladiators, those within and outside the periphery of power are all oiling their machinery.

One intriguing discovery which is also ironical is the gubernatorial ambition of some senators. They also want to be the executors of the law and making direct impact in the lives of the electorates. Already, some of the senators are having running battles with their state governors whom they accuse of not doing well.

In a state like Borno, the crises that has engulfed the state is just an extension of the disagreement between Governor Mala Kachalla and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who claims to have bankrolled the election of all the politicians elected on the platform of the All Peoples Party (APP).

In Nasarawa, Senator Haruna Abubakar is at Governor Abdullahi Adamu's throat. While the governor believes that he is doing everything possible to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, Abubakar claims the governor has not lived up to expectation.

In Gombe, Senator Idris Abubakar may have to contend with his fellow senators including Senators Umar Usman Dukku and Saidu Umar Kumo who are said to be interested in the big job. As the election period draws near, some other senators have also joined the gubernatorial train seeking the mandate to move into the State Houses.

The following senators are said to be interested in transforming from lawmakers to state chief executives.

Senator Wahab Dosunmu
Wahab Dosunmu representing Lagos West senatorial district is warming up for the Lagos State government house come next election. Dosunmu is seen in political circles as a tested politician, having cut his teeth in the NPN days during which he served as Works and Housing Minister to President Shehu Shagari.

He was also a member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) which was the umbrella body of pro-democracy groups that mobilised challenges against the tyranny of late General Sani Abacha. Dosunmu was formerly a member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) on whose platform he was elected senator. He contested the senatorial election after he lost the AD governorship ticket to Tinubu. Inspite of all these, his aspiration to rule the state has not been quenched. Perhaps this explains why he decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP has been making moves to take over Lagos State in the next election and it would appear they have found in Dosunmu, a credible and formidable force who will pose a strong opposition to Tinubu. However, it is yet to be seen how he would dislodge Tinubu whose popularity is growing by the day.

Tinubu who was initially shattered and put of balance by the certificate scandal seems to have gained so much ground in the politics of the state. Many Lagosians also believe he is performing well and the way he handled the recent bomb explosion at the Ikeja cantonment was found commendable. If Dosunmu finally decides to run, he will have to work hard against the incumbency factor. The battle promises to be interesting.

Dosunmu was born on May 14, 1939. He is a civil engineer by profession.

Senator Arthur Nzeribe
Francis Arthur Nzeribe needs no introduction in the Nigerian political terrain. Described as maverick and controversial, he has often lived up to people's perception of him. He had a short stint in the Airforce in the sixties and thereafter became an international business magnate, having dealings with several African Heads of State.

During the Second Republic of 1979 he was to enter the political arena with a bang under the platform of the Nigeria Peoples Party (NPP) by donating a jet plane to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, the presidential candidate. He contested and won the Orlu senatorial seat with ease. Ever since then the myth around him has thickened.

During the June 12 1993 election he played a most controversial role by trying through court proceedings to stop the release of the results which was already going in favour of Chief M. K. O Abiola.

He was elected for the second time as senator and looks set to come back again. However, if rumours making the rounds about his governorship aspiration are anything to go by, all other contenders may have to go back to the drawing board. Nzeribe commands a lot of respect and influence in his state and might not find it difficult to scale the hurdles. However, some wonder why Nzeribe who ten years ago contested the SDP presidential primaries would want to contest for governorship. But this new vocation may also be a proof that he is actually unpredictable.

Nzeribe was born on November 2, 1938. He studied at Holy Ghost College Owerri, Portsmouth College of Technology, UK and Manchester University, UK.

Senator Bob Nwanunu
Bob Nwanunu, a member of the All Peoples Party (APP) represents Abia central senatorial district. His victory to the senate came as a surprise to many because the calculation was that the rival party, PDP would win the seat. However, it would appear the gods were on his side as he got the backing of the state governor, Orji Kalu which facilitated his victory.

Today, he is said to be interested in the Abia government house come the next election. Sources say he may eventually cross over to PDP where he will contest the gubernatorial election. With the political tussle in the state where the "Abuja group" have joined forces to dislodge the incumbent governor, the governor, as it were, looks vulnerable.

But it is yet to be seen how Nwanunu's political strength and structure will fetch him the needed votes to win the coveted position.

Senator Idris Abubakar
Idris Abubakar is a lawyer by profession who has created a niche for himself as one of the most outspoken federal legislators in the country. He has always made his views known on several occasions even in the face of intimidation. It is believed that the roles he has played and continues to play in the senate is a deliberate and well calculated move to build his public image.

Abubakar is from Kaltungo area of Gombe State and represents Gombe South Senatorial District in the Senate. He is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation and a member of the All Peoples Party (APP).

He is said to have the backing of the people of his district in his plans to become the governor. Though he has not officially declared his ambition, it is widely believed that the people are willing and ready to vote for him if and when he does.

One disadvantage though, is that it is said that his health may not be too good to withstand the rigours of that office.

He was born on November 13, 1955. He was formerly elected to the Federal House of Representatives in 1992.

Senator Haruna Abubakar
Haruna Abubakar, representing Nasarawa South came to the limelight as the Managing Director of Pipelines and Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC) during the Abacha regime. He was the Deputy Senate President in 1999 before a web of controversy led to his resignation from the position. He is well respected and considered an opinion leader in the Senate.

Abubakar has of recent been very critical of Governor Abdullahi Adamu's regime in Nasarawa State. He believes that the governor has failed to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. But beyond the criticisms, he is said to be nursing the ambition of having a shot at the Nasarawa government house come 2003.

A lawyer and business man, he is a man of tremendous wealth who cannot be sidelined in Nasarawa politics. One thing he has going for him is the unalloyed support of the Lafia people who wish to have their own son at the helm of affairs. Lafia people are also not comfortable with the administration of Adamu which they claim has not lived up to expectation.

In Nasarawa State, Abubakar wields considerable influence among his people. Probably because of the plurality of tribes many of whom operate on parallel latitudes, it is not uncommon to find the various groups giving support to their own son in order to have a say in the governance of the state. This single factor may boost the chances of Abubakar to the government house.

Apart from governor Abdullahi, Abubakar may have to work very hard in order to be able to dislodge the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister, Barrister Solomon Ewuga who is another strong contender to the position. He also has to take cognisance of the fact that Ewuga is from Eggon, the majority tribe in the state.

The former Senate President was born on June 6 1952 and was a former legal adviser to the NPN in 1983. He belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Senator Ali Modu Sheriff
Ali Modu Sheriff is a very wealthy politician who is also eyeing the government seat in Borno State. He is the All Peoples Party (APP) leader in the Senate and has been having a running battle with Governor Mala Kachalla. The problem between the duo may not be different from the collapse of the god-father-god-son relationship which has torn many politicians apart in the country.

He is believed to have bankrolled the election of all those elected on the platform of the APP in the state. However, those supporting the governor have said that Sheriff has two of his nominees in the state cabinet namely Alhaji Mohammed El-Dungel and Hajiya Fiati Garba Maidugu and his brother Mala Modu Sheriff who was nominated by Kachalla as Commissioner of Finance.

According to reports, he was given four state government official quarters on his request and his father was reportedly given several contract awards to implement on behalf of the state government. Inspite of these, Sheriff has vowed to go to any length to stop Kachalla from getting a second term. The astute politician's wealth and personal clout in the state is going to be a great advantage if he finally runs.

It is believed that he will give Kachalla a good run for his money but in Nigerian politics were principles and ideologies do not guide the game, nothing is very certain until the election is over. One thing is sure, Kachalla may not sleep with his two eyes closed until after the election, knowing that a formidable opponent is at his door.

Sheriff has been previously elected a senator during the NRC and SDP era. He currently represents Borno Central in the Senate.

Senator Umar Usman Dukku
Umar Usman Dukku, an experienced civil servant before his sojourn into politics is also eyeing the seat of governance in Gombe State. He represents Gombe North Constituency and is known to have a way with the people in the state.

He cut his teeth in the civil service where he rose to become an acting Permanent Secretary in charge of Budget in Bauchi State. He was also the Director-General - Civil Service Commission, Bauchi State 1990-91 and Director-General, Local Government Dept. Bauchi State in 1998.

He is a member of the ruling PDP and was born on December 1944.

Senator Saidu Umar Kumo
Saidu Umar Kumo represents Gombe Central Constituency and is a wealthy man. Though he belongs to the old generation of politicians but he is widely loved by his people. He was born in November 1949.

Senator Lekan Balogun
Dr. Lekan Balogun is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and represents Oyo central senatorial district in the Upper House. He has not officially declared his interest in the gubernatorial race, however his recent planned senatorial tour of his district is seen in political circles as a ploy to sell himself to the electorates in the state for the 2003 polls.

Balogun had earlier explained that the tour was primarily aimed at touching base with his constituency to interact with the people and assess the level of development in the district. But his opponents would not buy the ploy. Apparently not comfortable with the tour, the leadership of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the state ordered the immediate cancellation of the tour over allegation that Balogun did not seek clearance from the party leadership.

Analysts see the party's action as a calculated move by the state party leadership controlled by Governor Lam Adesina to stop an event which will obviously boost the political popularity of the senator. Balogun does not however seem deterred having promised his supporters that another date will be fixed for the event.

In the race for Oyo government house, Balogun will have to face other stiff contenders who are daily increasing in number.

Senator Yusuf Yemi Brimoh
Yusuf Yemi Brimoh is a retired Brigadier-General from Ogbomosho part of Oyo State. He is also gunning for the governorship seat in state. He represents Oyo North and was formerly a member of the AD before he decamped to PDP because he thought the Governor, Lam Adesina had hijacked the party and is using it for selfish purposes.

The last congress in his town was a very turbulent one because some old PDP members felt that he was a new entrant trying to hijack the party.

Senator Abubakar Girei
Abubakar Halilu Girei is said to be gunning for Adamawa government house in the next election and has former President Ibrahim Babangida solidly behind him. He will have to slug it out with the incumbent governor, Bonnie Haruna who intends to seek re-election. Haruna is equally a close ally of the Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar.

However, it is not certain if Haruna enjoys a great level of support from Atiku as reports have it that the religious equation in the predominantly Muslim State does not favour the governor who is a christian. Muslim faithfuls in the state are said to have been persuading Atiku to drop his support for Haruna, a christian.

The governor is alleged to be in constant bickering with political elites in the state. These factors put together may be a plus for Girei's ambition as he may readily take advantage of the political situation in the state to launch his gubernatorial campaign.

Girei is a quantity surveyor by profession. He studied at Ahmadu Bello University. He was born on March 14, 1954. He is a member of the ruling PDP.

Senator Afolabi Olabimtan
Prof. Afolabi Olabimtan represents Ogun West senatorial district and is a member of AD. He declined contesting the governorship of the state in 1999 ostensibly because his friend, Chief Olusegun Osoba was in the race. However, he is said to be warming up in the event that Osoba does not run in the next elections. Osoba happens to be one of the governors who barred from contesting in 2003, having contested for the same office in two previous elections.

The odds against Olabimtan is that he may not have the money to bankroll the election. Apart from that, it is being speculated that the governorship position may be zoned to Ogun East, that is inspite of the fact that Ogun West, which he represents at the senate has never produced a governor for the state. Ogun West is said to be disadvantaged in terms of population and number of local government areas.

Afolabi is a professor of Yoruba language and an author of many books.

Senator Femi Okunrounmu
Dr. Femi Okunroun is a member of AD and a staunch member of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organisation. He was a commissioner under Chief Bisi Onabanjo's regime. He is an Egba man and represents Ogun central at the senate. His governorship ambition dates back to 1998 when he had to back out of the race because it was perceived that he would not be able to stop Osoba who was then the last elected governor of the state. The zoning formular which is tilting towards Ogun east may affect him.

Senator Johh Azuta Mbata
Chief John Azuta Mbata is a very wealthy businessman who may not have any problem, in terms of bankrolling his gubernatorial ambition. He represents River east senatorial district and is a member of PDP. He was the Senate President Extempore, after the controversial exit of Okadigbo as the Senate President in year 2000.

He was born on January 3, 1960. He schooled at University of Ibadan and University of Glendale, USA.

He is a member of the governing council, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port-Harcourt, a fellow of Nigeria Institute of Sales Management and was conferred with Doctor of Philosphy (Honoris Causa) University of Glendale, USA.

Senator Martins-Yellowe
Ibiapoye Martins-Yellowe represents Rivers West senatorial district and is a member of PDP. He is a medical doctor by profession and was a member of the constitutional conference, 1994-95. He was born on November 12, 1945.

Senator David Brigidi
David Brigidi is one of those eyeing the Bayelsa government house in the next election. A lawyer by profession, Brigidi has carved a niche for himself in the legal practice in Port-Harcourt and Bayelsa. He schooled at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology and was the administrative secretary of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) Rivers State, 1990-92. He was also the legal adviser of the party in 1992. He was born on September 16, 1962.

Senator Vincent Usulor
Vincent Obasi Usulor is a lawyer by profession and represents Ebonyi central at the senate. He is an ally of the Senate President, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim who hails from the same state. The duo with Lawrence Nwurukwu, Minister of Industry comprise the "Abuja group" who have been battling for political space with the State Governor, Dr. Sam Egwu.

Obviously, the disagreement between the Abuja group and the governor revolves round the ambition to control the government machinery in the state come 2003. Usulor is believed to be propped up by Anyim for the big job. But this may prove an uphill task, the reason being that Egwu is considered to be popular among the electorate. His people oriented programmes are said to have won the heart of the people.

Besides, many of the indigenes contend that instead of attracting federal presence to the state, the Abuja group have used federal forces to destabilise the state. The battle in Ebonyi state will be an interesting one. Obviously, it will be a re-enactment of the second republic scenario where federal legislators made use of federal forces to overwhelm the home politicians in Cross-River and Kwara States.

Senator Ahmed Tijani Ahmed
Ahmed Tijani Ahmed represents Kogi central. He is very popular and well loved in his senatorial district. He wields considerable influence and is capable of swaying the votes at anytime. However, his major obstacle is said to be the role he played in the last election.

He had allied with Governor Abubakar Audu who is an APP member to ensure that PDP was defeated when he (Ahmed) lost the governorship ticket of his party. He was to later fall out with Audu over appointment of commissioners in the state. There are on- going reconciliatory moves within the Kogi PDP of which he is believed to be playing a major role.

But it is not certain if his campaign structure which he named "Redemption 2003" will be able to sway the much needed votes in his favour.

Senator Alex Kadiri
Alex Kadiri represents the Kogi East senatorial district in the senate. He was elected on the platform of the APP but there are indications that he may move to the PDP on which platform he will run, having fallen out with the State Governor, Abubakar Audu.

Kadiri is a tested politician in the state and is believed to command the respect of the Igala people who are in the majority in the state. But his major problem may be how to emerge among the increasing number of PDP gubernatorial aspirants from his Igala extraction.

If he succeeds in emerging as the consensus candidate of the eastern flank, it could as well be said that he is on the track to the Lugard House of the Confluence State.