It is when the battle rages that the loyalty of the soldier to his commander is proven. But what happens if the soldier also wants to become a commander? This is the pertinent question on the lips of those watching the Kwara political situation unfold, especially as it pertains to who emerges the next governor of the state.
While many of the hopefuls have resorted to underground machinations and covert lobbying, one man who has boldly declared his intention is Hon Moshood Mustapha, the SA to the Senate President on Anti Parliamentary Affairs, Protocols and Special Duties. Since 2016 he has been trying to secure the support of stakeholders across the length and breadth of the state.
However, the condition of Nigerian politics is such that those who first begin to run seldom finish first. Allegedly standing in the way of his ambition is none other than his boss and godfather Senator Bukola Saraki who people claim prefers a different candidate to occupy the state’s number one position.
News now making the rounds have it that the versatile Hon Mustapha, who represented Asa/Ilorin West in the 7th House of Representatives, has vowed to press on with his ambition with or without the support of Bukola whom he has faithfully served for 17 years. There are even rumours that he has threatened to decamp to the PDP if his path to the APC governorship ticket remains blocked by the “powers that be”.
Saraki who remains the most powerful politician from Kwara, was governor of the state from 2003 to 2011. He was succeeded by Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who’s presently serving his second term.
Those in the know are saying that though the senate president is fond of Mustapha, he doesn’t see him as somebody who is popular and charismatic enough to gain the approval of majority in the state. According to them, Hon Mustapha should forget about the APC ticket and focus on supporting whoever eventually emerges as the anointed candidate.
Saraki was first elected to the Senate in April 2011, representing the Kwara Central senatorial district, and he’s been the President of the Nigeria’s Senate since 2015.
The 55-year-old Senate President recently refuted reports that he will be contesting in the 2019 presidential election