Bauchi: Jatau and Abubakar go for broke
he focus of the people of Bauchi State for Saturday’s gubernatorial election, is centred mainly on the candidates of the two major political parties in the state; that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mohammed Awwal Jatau and that of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar.
This is even as other contestants for the position which include Alhaji Sarki Abdullahi Dan China of the Kowa Party and Abubakar Ari of the Labour Party are also not relenting in their efforts.
The candidates of the APC and PDP, not oblivious of the fact that attention is centred on them, have intensified campaigns and consultations within and outside the state.
Both candidates have their areas of strength and weaknesses which have been redefined by the outcome of the March 28 presidential and National Assembly elections.
Jatau, the PDP candidate comes from the Bauchi North senatorial zone of the state which has been agitating for power shift.
Before last Saturday’s election that produced General Muhammad Buhari as President-Elect on the platform of the APC, the people of Bauchi North were optimistic the next governor of the state would come from the zone since the PDP has given its ticket to somebody from the zone.
There have been cries of marginalization from the zone as all the governors of the state since 1999, were from the Southern zone.
Last Saturday’s election however has altered that consideration as it has given APC an edge over other parties.
Observers believe that Jatau will face an uphill task confronting the candidate of the APC who is no doubt benefitting from the acceptance of PresidentElect General Muhammadu Buhari.
Jatau has the advantage of incumbency factor going for him as Governor Isa Yuguda, who is his political mentor and benefactor has been using his resources and influence as the leader of the party in the state to ensure the victory of all PDP candidates in the state.
PDP supporters believe the party is still popular and has the strength to win the remaining elections.
Yuguda led the campaign train to all nooks and crannies of the state and met with many individuals, groups and associations and has gone ahead to empower the groups that met with him to support their members in their struggle to ensure the victory of the party in the polls.
State Publicity Secretary of PDP Alhaji Bashir Bukar Rimin Zayam said PDP has set up a committee that includes the state director general of the campaign council, Umaru Dahiru, chairman contact and publicity committee, Sanusi Maijama’a, director admininistration and finance of the campaign, Aminu Hammayo and have been going round the 20 local government areas, holding meetings with all stakeholders and people that matter, with a view to boosting PDP’s popularity.
He described Jatau as a credible candidate given his wealth of experience, philanthropist activities and the confidence of his people.
Bukar said PDP had already reconciled with all the governorship aspirants that contested the election with Jatau, like Babayo Gamawa, Adamu Gumba, Abdul Ningi and Alhaji Bappah Azare who were part of the campaign train.
But despite PDP’s assurances, Jatau may likely face tough time in places regarded as the stronghold of the party, especially with the Buhari tsunami that swept all the National Assembly seats in the state where the PDP scored less than 10 percent in the presidential election.
Abubakar of the APC on the other hand is seen as experienced in public office due to the positions he has held in the past.
He was a two-time former attorney general of Bauchi State and commissioner of Justice and federal commissioner of the Independent Electoral Commission INEC.
Chairman APC Support Group, Suleiman Malami Ahmed, said going by the record of achievements recorded by Abubakar when he was in the public service.
He is credited with developing a blueprint for drafting proceedings for the State House of Assembly which was adopted by states like Gombe , Jigawa , Yobe and many other states.
Abubakar as secretary and legal adviser of Yankari Game Reserve and Tourism Development Company, was also credited with developing a legal frame work for the company which led to its expansion which gave birth to other companies such as Yankari Insurance Company, Yankari Savings and Loans etc.
Major Abubakar acrimony leaders.
There are still misgivings over the outcome of the governorship primary said to have been rigged, which triggered disaffection among the aspirants who contested the seat with Abubakar.
One of the candidate had already filed a case in court, even though meetings were said to have been held to chart a way forward and some officials of the party have confirmed that the other aspirants have agreed to cooperate with Abubakar.
Analysts say both parties have good chances of winning the governorship election in the state.
“APC has the advantage of the popularity of the President-Elect, General Buhari, if it can put its house in order, reconcile with aggrieved aspirants and leaders of the party to bury their differences.”
However, if Yuguda dusts up his magic formula which has enabled him to win elections in the past, then the PDP stands a good chance of winning the election. hurdles before include the among APC