Among the Governors who will be leaving office in 2023, three (3) appear to have visibly taken a definite stance as it regards who should succeed them. In terms of definite stance, these governors; for reasons best known to them; have anointed and reportedly unveiled their preferred candidates, ahead of the 2023 gubernatorial polls....CONTINUE READING
Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Akwa Ibom Governor, Emmanuel Udom and Governor Dav Umahi of Ebonyi state.
A list of these three governors who have already chosen their successors is below.
1. Akwa Ibom Governor, Udom Emmanuel
Governor Udom Emmanuel With Umo Eno
Governor Emmanuel notably endorsed his commissioner for Lands and Water resources, Pastor Umo Eno, as his preferred candidate ahead of the 2023 Akwa Ibom governorship poll.
From his views, the governor is convinced Eno remains the best candidate to succeed him in 2023. Nevertheless, reports of opposition to this endorsement, have continued to come up in recent time.
2. Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai
Governor Nasir El-Rufai and Senator Uba Sani
According to a recent Daily Trust report, the Kaduna state Governor, Nasir El-Rufai anointed Senator Uba Sani as his preferred candidate under the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC; and by extension, his preferred successor in 2023.
3. Ebonyi state Governor, David Umahi
Governor David Umahi
Just like the above two (2), Governor David Umahi has reportedly also anointed the speaker of Ebonyi state House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru, as his preferred successor in 2023. However, this move has been questioned by some stakeholders of the party in recent time.
The question still remains; should these governors; as leaders of the party in their states; be publicly endorsing candidates? Considering the controversies and opposition these moves have created within the parties concerned, one would wonder if these decisions were ill-timed.
