By: Idris Isah Itopa
Although, 2021 general elections in Nigeria may still be very far to ordinary citizenry but the battle for the soul of who will succeed the incumbents in all elective positions across the board has begun, including both national, state and local government party levels.
Political parties have started strategizing and re-aligning, preparing assiduously towards the battle of the titan.
The ruling party in Ajaokuta Local Government, the All Progressive Congress (APC), and the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) that are major political parties in the area, were not left out of the preparation beyond the frontiers with a view to repositioning themselves for the battle ahead.
As always believe that what has a beginning must have an end. This implies to the end of tenure of the Local Government Executives of the ruling party, APC, in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Hussein Balogun, whose two-term tenure is expected to end soon.
No doubt, the battle of who would succeed the outgoing Chairman of the party, APC in the area, is silently heating up the political tempo in the Local Government; building up contacts/outreach and political maneuvering which has taken the center stage with existing factors within the party of who would be capable to wear the big shoes Hon. Hussein is leaving behind. According to the traditional practice and the constitution of the party, it was stated clearly that contending aspirants must be a party card-carrier, and must have contributed immensely to the successes of the party in the previous electoral outings
Undoubtedly, the contest to who succeeds outgoing Local Government APC Chairman will be an interesting event in the area. This is because to get a credible successor that would match the fit of the incumbent will be a nuclear task. Rt. Hon. Hussein profile has since on the ascendency, political sensational track record is the beginning of wisdom, he has propelled the ruling party, APC, to successful records, in all elective positions in the area.
The fact of the present political situation in the area especially now that the party would be facing unusual stiff of opposition, the party must ensure that any candidates that would emerge at the forthcoming Local Government congresses must be tested, result-oriented personality, and a mobilizer with impeccable track record of public service, that would enjoy substantial spread of acceptance from the party stakeholders in the area. The party needs to critically examine the potentials of all aspirants and ascertain their strength at grassroots politicking. The process making this choice certainly requires courage, sincerity, objectivity and deep insight.
Fortunately enough, there is one young politician of impeccable track record, in the area who the good people of Ajaokuta Local Government are looking forward to step into the big shoes that the incumbent is leaving behind. He is no other person but Hon. Ismaila Odoh Suleiman, one time Supervisor for Works in Ajaokuta Local Government, now serving as Legislative Aides to Distinguished Senator Yakubu Ayo Oseni, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Although, Hon. Ismaila Odoh may not have made up his mind to contest the exalted position but as a lover and good listener of his people, he may likely heed to the clarion calls and answer the prayers of his people to contest the party Chairmanship position.
The pressure on Hon. Ismaila Odoh, by the people that matters across the party hierarchy, as political feelers revealed, has signified that he is a politician that stands the test of time. This trend did not emerge in just a matter of time as it is a collection of politicians and Professionals in different aspect of human endeavor, who nurtured and brought about the idea of encouraging this young man to seek the exalted position in the area. They believe, that if he is given the opportunity, the former Local Government Supervisor, will no doubt, exploit his energy, political-will, and above all his wisdom, to bring all party faithful to one united and progressive family. This unassuming fits may eventually add to his favourable endorsement by the people that matters in the party, APC.
Hon. Ismaila Odoh, is a core APC loyalist who have also contributed visible role in ensuring consistent dominance and successes of the party, APC in Ajaokuta Local Government. There is every indication that his ambition may be built around the support of his political mentors in the area and beyond. He is a grassroots politician who commands large followership in the area.
Hon. Ismaila Odoh, believes he has an eminent political profile that could qualify him to clinch the exelted position, but he may require broad networking of consultation and coordinate effort to compliment his credentials in order to realize his ambition.
I wish him successful outing!
By: Idris Isah Itopa
of Arewa Trust Newspaper, Abuja