With the 2015 general elections fast approaching, many of the aspirants jostling for various elective posts have intensified campaigns with a view to seeking nomination of their respective political parties.

Like many other states, the political temperature in Bauchi state is steadily rising with horse trading and politicians running from pillar to pole in search of support from various political quarters.

Interestingly, the focus in the two major political parties in the state; the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), is on who takes over the mantle from Governor Isa Yuguda in May, 2015.

Reasons for the interest are many considering the delicate political equation which has structured the state into three powerful political blocs; Bauchi South Senatorial Zone which has the incumbent, Bauchi North Senatorial Zone and Bauchi Central Senatorial Zone.

There are strong indications that the calculations in the PDP may not favour Bauchi South in the October 29 governorship primaries. The South is likely to be excluded in the contest for the coveted office having enjoyed the governorship seat twice for almost 16 years.

While the contest for nomination is likely to be between the North and the Central in the PDP, the opposition APC is likely to capitalise on PDP’s rotational principles to bring up its flag bearer for the February governorship election from the South. Therefore, political pundits in Bauchi state are of the view that this will pose a serious threat to the PDP considering the voting strength of the South.

Under this calculation, chances of the PDP to retain power would further shrink unless the party is wise enough to field a candidate that will be accepted by all the zones. It must be a candidate that is seen as a moderate politician with expertise to garner support across the zones; a candidate without political adversaries to work against the interest of the party after the primaries.

Another interesting aspect of the gubernatorial race is the army of aspirants that have indicated interest in aspiring for the coveted office. The large numbers of campaign posters on billboards and buildings are pointers to the magnitude of interests pervading the political landscape of the state.

Notably among the PDP governorship aspirants are Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Senator Babayo Garba Gamawa, Deputy Senate Leader Abdul Ningi,   Barrister Ahmed Ibrahim Dandija, Alhaji Aminu Hammayo, Dr Musa Babayo, Alhaji Mohammed Nadada Umar and Senator Baba Tela.

Rounding the list of aspirants from APC are Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Lame, Barrister Mohammed Abubakar, Engineer Sadiq Mahmud, Senator Suleiman Gamawa, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Tuggar and Engineer Nuhu Gidado.

Even though there is nothing wrong in one seeking for an elective post, but a cursory review of the aforementioned aspirants across the two major political parties shows that most of the aspirants are just paper tigers with little or no political wherewithal and rudimentary administrative skills to lead the state. More so with the rising popularity of the opposition APC, the PDP must field a credible and accepted candidate to sustain the party’s lead.

Therefore, the only PDP aspirants that possess the required ingredients to appeal to the electorates irrespective of party affiliation is the former Minister of State for Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate (Cigarin Misau). Considering his track record of leadership in the health sector and humility in politics, Pate will be the right aspirant to clinch the ticket of the PDP.

Pate, a medical doctor, had in July last year voluntarily resigned from President Goodluck Jonathan’s cabinet to take up a position of a professor at the Duke University, Global Health Institute in the United States. He is also a senior Adviser to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation based in Washington DC. Also in recognition of his feat, the Harvard School of Public Healthy (HSPH) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) recognised him in 2012 along with 15 ministers of health from Africa, Asia and Latin America for their demonstrated leadership to strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes.

In addition to his uncommon professional qualities, the Cigari is a modest and humble politician and his analysis of issues of development distinguishes him from all the aspirants. This is why his manifestos are hinged on an improved management of the state resources, improved investment climate for the private sector, deep youth and women participation in management, health reform, agricultural development, education, sports and tourism, infrastructural development, peace and progress, among many other areas of priorities. He is one aspirant that is also friendly with all segments of the society in the state due to his philanthropic activities.

Apart from his unmatched qualities, the PDP should also bank on the goodwill of his extended family in the state to put the cap on him as a loyal party member.

The expectation therefore is that the PDP would open its eyes to the realities in the state and ensure that only the best aspirants with an appetite for development and commitment to improving lives emerges. A stitch in time saves nine.

Shehu wrote from Ran Road, Bauchi. [myad]