By James Orji
Ministers from President Muhamamdu Buhari’s cabinet who are interested in contesting next year’s presidential election face massive resignation.
These include members of his kitchen cabinet usually addressed as Aso Rock Cabal, The Source magazine has learnt.
The development is in line with the recently signed amended Electoral Act by the president which bars any government appointee from contesting any election until such has resigned.
According to Section 84(12) “No political appointee at any level shall be a voting delegate or be voted for at the convention or congress of any political party for the purpose of the nomination of candidates for any election”, while section 29(1) of the act mandates political parties to submit names of candidates not later than 180 days before the election”.
While signing the bill last Friday, President Buhari urged the National Assembly to delete the section from the act, on the basis that it infringes on the Constitutional provision of the rights of Nigerians to contest election.
“Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, from the review it is my perspective that the substance of the Bill is both reformative and progressive. I am making this bold declaration because I foresee the great potentials of the Bill. Worthy of note include the democratic efficacy of the Bill with particular reference to sections 3, 9(2), 34, 41, 47, 84(9), (10) and (11) among others,” Buhari said.
But it has now emerged reasons while the president raised the objection. According to checks from government sources, there are worries in the presidency that some ministers and top government officials who may be interested in vying for the highest job in the land, next year would be disenfranchised.
At least no fewer than five ministers have shown interest in contesting for president next year. The list includes the Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Labour Chris Ngige, Attorney General of the Federation and Minster of Justice Abubakar Malami; Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabi, amongst others.
Amaechi, a former governor of River state for eight years is among the top contenders for president in Buhari’s government. Initially the former government was believed to be eying the vice president position until recently when the APC indicated intention to zone the Presidency to the South, due to agitation that power must shift into that part of the country at the end of President Buhari’s Tenure next year. Those watching the political trajectory of the minister said his recent turbaning in Katsina by Emir of Katsina must have further embolden Ameach to contest.
Even though his name has been ruled out among those interested in the presidency due to the resolve by major political parties in the country to zone power away from the North, Malami is believed to be eyeing the Kebbi Government House as governor. A very influential member of the president kitchen cabinet, Malami recently bolster his governorship ambition by urging his supporters to back a particular APC Chairmanship candidate in his state.
Ngige on his part has not really being enjoying momentum in his quest to be president next year due to the number of presidential aspirants from the south east, which include former Governor of Anambra state, Peter Obi, Anyim Pius Anyim, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Governor Dave Umahi of Ebnonyi state, amongst others. But the Health Minister recently said he’s still consulting his supporters on whether to contest or not.
The minster of Niger Delta, Akpabio had recently been urged by his supporters to thrown his hat into the ring by contesting for president. For instance, a group Godswill Akpabio Uncommon Transformational Support Organisation, GAUTSO, said on February 8 that the minister is the best so far among those eyeing the presidency.
According to GUASTO, Akpabio qualifies as the best candidate Nigerians are looking for to take over from Buhari.
In a statement signed by the group’s spokesperson, Bennett Akar, GAUTSO said “we have looked at all the people who have so far declared their interest in the presidency and we have come to the unimpeachable conclusion that there is none that has Senator Godswill Akpabio’s political profile and track record of achievements. Nigeria needs an experienced, tested and steady hand as its pilot at this point in time..
“One of the biggest challenges Nigeria is facing at the moment is insecurity. Nigeria needs a tested and proven man of courage to manage its security architecture and rid the nation of these criminal elements”.
“When the Niger Delta militancy was at its peak, Sen Akpabio was one of those patriotic Nigerians who braved the odds, stepped into the ring and found this win-win solution that has held the region at peace till today. He has demonstrated his political sagacity in recently meeting with a Niger Delta warlord and finding a peaceful way to calm frayed nerves. Nigeria needs a leader who is proactive and has problem-solving skills.
“Still speaking about courage, we know how he followed through the forensic audit at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). He rose above stiff opposition to get the job done. In addition, under his leadership, NDDC moved to its permanent headquarters after many years, saving the nation millions of naira” the group said.
Another minister who many say is also interested in becoming president is the Minister of State for Petroleum, Timipre Sylva. Even though much has not been said about him is serious political circles about the subject, some sources in the presidency had recently disclosed that the Minister from Bayelsa said may be President Buhari’s choice candidate for the top job.
Likely many other presidential hopefuls, Sylva, a former governor of Bayelsa state has kept his rumoured ambition close to his heatr.
Meanwhile, an APC chieftain and former governorship candidate in Rivers state, Prince Tonye Princewill has opined that the court will determine whether the section which bar government appointees from contesting will stand or not. Princewill said it will be better if the National Assembly deleted the section as requested by the president.
