The speculation surrounding the next Governor of Yobe State post-Buni is gaining momentum, sparking concerns about the ruling party’s traditional leadership selection process. The state’s history has shown a united front among political leaders, typically agreeing on candidates representing various positions and communities.
This process allows for consensus-building but also permits open contests at party primaries. Examples include the 2007 ANPP primary between Mamman Bello Ali and Usman Albishir, and the 2019 contest where Hon Mai Mala Buni emerged victorious respectively.
However, current trends suggest some contenders are diverging from this tradition, adopting unconventional approaches to show interest in the seat. This shift has raised concerns that some aspirants may not respect the state’s decision, potentially disrupting the political landscape. As the state navigates this process, it’s crucial to balance tradition with democratic principles, ensuring the ruling party presents a united front for the upcoming elections.
This article examines key qualities that could shape the selection of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s successor in Yobe State. The focus is on identifying individuals with the right mix of experience, leadership skill, and relationships to lead the state forward building on past legacies and sustaining Buni’s reform over the years.
The qualities considered include:
· Experience in managing state affairs/public service
· Sustaining and building on the current government’s success
· Resource mobilization and ability to lead a post conflict state
· Relationships with the state political class
· Acceptability among the electorate
· Loyalty to the leadership circle
Across the Zone, the following fit into some of the aforementioned qualities
Baba Mallam Wali Mni, 70 Years by May 2027 is the Secretary to the Yobe State Government. He is a strong contender for the gubernatorial ticket in the state. With his vast experience in managing state affairs, he’s well-positioned to lead Yobe State. As SSG for over 10 years, Baba Mallam Wali has been instrumental in implementing government policies and programs, showcasing his administrative prowess.
His contributions to the state’s success are notable, particularly in ensuring the administrative support needed in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development are timely and implemented.
Wali’s worked closely with Governor Mai Mala Buni, using the Governors open door policy to do more in enhancing the state’s security and economic growth. His efforts have earned him recognition and respect from the political class and electorate alike.
Wali’s relationships with key stakeholders, including Senator Ibrahim Geidam, Nigerian Minister of Police affairs, and the most senior stakeholder in Yobe’s Politics, are a significant advantage. His loyalty to the state’s leadership circle and commitment to community development have made him a popular figure. Analysts believe his integrity, credibility, and experience make him an attractive candidate for the governorship.
Given his impressive track record, Wali’s chances of winning the party ticket are high. His ability to connect with the electorate and drive development initiatives could propel him to earn the state’s support and lead to victory.
Muhammad Sani Ismail, in his late 40s, is the Permanent Secretary Liaison Office to the Yobe State Government. He is a notable figure in the state’s administration. A gentle and calm young man with his experience in managing state affairs mostly at national level has contributed significantly to the current government’s success, particularly in supporting implementing Governor Buni’s policies and programs at strategic federal level which has over the years brough Yobe state name to limelight and attracted investment to the state.
Ismail’s roles have likely given him a strong understanding of the state’s governance structure and relationships with key federal stakeholders. As a seasoned civil servant, he’s earned respect from both the elite and civil servants, though with limited public participation in election and connection among voters.
Over his longstanding as the state’s liason officer between the National headquarters, Abuja, he was able to establish a very good ties with the former Governor Ibrahim Geidam and has sustained a father/son relationship with him. This has earned him a high chance to clinch the parties ticket comfortably.
Given Yobe State’s political landscape, Sani Ismail’s chances of winning the party ticket depends on factors like zoning. Yobe State’s governorship is often zoned among the three senatorial districts if the next ticket is zoned to zone C then Sani stands a chance, especially falling in to age group of past governors of the state.
Engr Umaru Wakili Duddaye
Engr Umaru Wakili Duddaye late 60s, the present Commissioner of Works in Yobe State, has been instrumental in driving infrastructure development in the state. As commissioner, he’s led the implementation of Governor Bunis policies in designing and execution of key projects, including roads, bridges, and flood-response infrastructure initiatives.
Under Duddaye’s leadership as commissioner, the Ministry of Works has achieved significant milestones, completing urban township roads across 17 LGAs, this is in addition to ensuring projects like the Damaturu-Kalallawa Dual Carriageway, Jajimaji-Karasuwa Road and Chumbusko-Tagali Road and many other communities connected to high-ways, dualized and or networked- Making it easy for commuters, farmers and people to access basic service and urban communities. These efforts have improved the state’s infrastructure, boosted economic growth and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
Duddaye’s relationships with the state political class appear strong, particularly with Governor Mai Mala Buni, whom he praises for dedication to infrastructure development. His acceptability among the electorate is evident in his constituents of Nangere LGA, with his efforts earning widespread acclaim.
While Duddaye’s experience and contributions make him a notable figure, his chances of winning the party ticket depend on factors like zoning tradition, party dynamics, and electorate acceptability.
Alhaji Salisu Muktari
Alhaji Salisu Muktari, in his 60s, is the Chairman of Potiskum Local Government Area, He is one of the key change makers from Zone B. With his people-centered approach, he’s transformed Potiskum into a model of local governance, earning recognition from Governor Mai Mala Buni and the people outside his LGA.
Salisu Muktari’s experience in stakeholders’ management and leading one of the urban and cosmopolitan LGA for over 6 years with his initiatives in ensuring Governor Bunis project such as rehabilitating access roads, renovating public buildings, and revitalizing education and health services comes to Potiskum, this is a key testimony to his quality of leadership.
His relationships with the state political class are solid, particularly with Governor Buni, whom he is very close and openly supports. Muktari’s acceptability among his constituents is high, with residents praising his inclusive governance and commitment to Governor Bunis development. Given Yobe State’s zoning tradition, where the governorship often rotates among senatorial districts, Muktari’s chances depend on which zone is favored.
Senator Musa Mustapha
Sen Musa Mustapha, in his 60s, is the Senator representing Yobe East (Zone A). He has a strong background in state affairs. He served as Commissioner for Finance, Transport, and Energy, showcasing his administrative expertise. Sen MM experience in these roles has likely added to his political advantage, with a previous stinge in Local Governance and working as head of scholarships is an additional strength for him within the political class and electorate.
As a senator, he’s focused on humanitarian interventions, women’s empowerment, and education, with initiatives benefiting women and thousands of students. His commitment to community development has added hugely to his popularity in Yobe State.
Sen coolers, as popularly called amongst his supporters, has a good relationship with key stakeholders and is very close ally of the Governor. He’s received backing from the state party structure and a strong support base within his constituents. His loyalty to the leadership circle is evident, and he’s likely to leverage these connections in the gubernatorial bid.
If the political leaders of the state decide to drop zoning to another zone out of the considerations, Sen Musa Mustapha’s experience and influence make him a key contender. His chances depend on factors like party dynamics, electorate acceptability, and how well he navigates the zoning structure.
Dr. Mohammed Goje is 45 years. He is the Executive Secretary of Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (YOSEMA). He is making waves as an emerging young politician. With his vast experience in implementation of Governor Bunis post conflict recovery in Humanitarian response and resource mobilization, he’s seen as a new generation of leaders positioned to lead Yobe State.
Dr Goje’s contributions to the state’s success are notable, particularly in disaster management and humanitarian efforts. Under Governor Buni’s watch he was able to lead YOSEMA to deliver lifesaving support and relief to over 300,000 households, including IDPs and disaster victims. Has previously contested and gave a good outing at State assembly primaries in 2019, he represents youth inclusion, aligning with demographic realities of the state a strategic advantage in consolidating youth support and sustaining Governor Buni’s legacies of Youth inclusion in governance. With strong proximity and working relationship with the Governor and the younger generation, the probability of Dr Goje’s acceptability among the electorate is high, thanks to his humanitarian work and commitment to service. As an IDP himself, he understands the needs of displaced persons and the vulnerable populations in the state.
Goje’s loyalty to the Governor and state’s leadership circle is evident, and his experience in managing crises and his network internationally and within donor and partners could be a significant asset in the governorship role. While it’s uncertain whether his age and zone will favor him in winning the party’s ticket, he’s undoubtedly among the preferred young candidates.