State governors from the 36 states of the federation have been arriving Abuja, the nation’s capital since yesterday in preparation for the election of the new Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF.
The current chairman, Governor Abdul’aziz Yari succeeded former governor of Rivers state and current Minister of Transport Rotimi Amaechi in 2015.
The magazine has however learned from competent sources among the governors that Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti may eventually trounce his other opponents who are also aspiring for the position.
Those that have earlier been suggested to be in the race are Governors Nasir El Rufai and Mohammed Badru Abubakar of Jigawa state.
Governor Bello of Kogi state was also mentioned among those interested in the position.
But, it was learned last night that most governors across party lines have agreed to support Governor Fayemi all the way.
‘Therefore other brother governors have been prevailed upon to step down for the governor of Ekiti state who enjoys more popularity across both PDP and APC,” one governor from the North told the magazine yesterday.
According to the PDP governor, they all agree to support Dr Fayemi in order to prevent what happened four year ago when Amaechi was the chairman.
“This time around, we all agreed among ourselves to shun acrimony and support one candidate, even though others have shown interest,” he said.
When asked the reason? The source said “we all want to form a common front as governors, so that we can speak with one voice on matters affecting the states.”
The magazine also learned that the governors decided to support Fayemi following revelation that a former Governor of Lagos state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has a plan to support another candidate.
The National Leader of the APC believes that his 2013 presidential ambition could be scuttled with Fayemi as NGF chairman sources in Fayemi camp told the magazine.
The Ekiti helmsman has not indicated interest in the NGF position but his major backer, Governor El Rufai has been rumoured to indicate interest in succeeding President Muhamadu Buhari in 2023.
Therefore, the Kaduna helmsman is said to have mobilized his other colleagues, particularly from the north to support Fayemi.
“What we are going to do in Abuja today, one governor told the magazine, is to rubber stamp the governor of Ekiti state.
