By Hon. Abdulmalik Suleiman Kupa Abugi
As Kogi State governor Presidential bid continue to gather momentum, few months back Governor, Yahaya Bello signified his desire to succeed incumbent Pres. Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s president come 2023.
The announcement was received with mixfeelings by Nigerians who instantly maintained very different and divergent views depending on where they stand in the nation’s broad political spectrum.
To some, the ambition seems far fetched and unrealistic considering the prevailing power dynamic and structure which in most cases precludes rookies like Gov. Bello to make any appreciable impact in the electoral contest not to talk of nicking the plum job.
To others, Bello’s bid which at that time not now was considered not too serious would provide a refreshing break from the norm which only allows the old and distressed established political figures to dictate and set the tone for the nation’s political direction.
Cashing in on the established order, the youthful governor told the nation that his bid is essentially representing the desire of the youth to lead the country and consolidate on the gains of President Muhammadu Buhari, his political godfather and mentor for a purposeful leadership for the country.
Perhaps that seems to be the unique selling point of his campaign, as Lokoja the state capital has become a Mecca of sorts and influx exodus of Nigerians of all walks of life anf expressing confidence in the youthful Governor’s ability to provide the leadership capable of securing the country and unifying the people.
Name the exodus, they have been to Lokoja of several times to endorse Bello’s candidature though the time for electioneering is yet to come. But many politicians and professionals see him as a solution to some of our obvious and systemic faults.
Sportsmen, leaders of professional bodies, traditional rulers, politicians even from opposition parties have been calling on one another to show solidarity with Bello who himself have been savouring all the accolades being showered on him.
What hitherto was seen as different from the norm and seemingly impossible seems to be assuming a life of its own prompting people to ask whether Yahaya Bello would not eventually become the proverbial dark horse in the build up to the forthcoming presidential poll. Time will tell.