To any political pundit and spectator, the controversy over the result of the Adamawa governorship election has been trending each offline and on-line. The situation was so convoluted that it turned a headline even on the worldwide stage. It solely received eclipsed by the Hakimi’s Saga.
The ability tussle between the 2 political heavyweights who contested for the governorship seat within the state had been amongst probably the most stood out within the not too long ago concluded basic election. The competition was so robust that it was declared inconclusive and a rerun was carried out which finally noticed the emergence of the incumbent Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri of the Folks Democratic celebration (PDP) because the winner. Nonetheless, your entire gamut of all of the components that performed out which culminated and led to the (PDP) rising victorious is what impressed this piece.
One main issue that performed a pivotal function within the mentioned election is the ideology of gender politics. A cursory take a look at who Binani is and her affect in Adamawa politics. Binani is a 51-year previous Fulani girl that serves as a senator representing Adamawa central zone. Earlier than turning into a senator, she was a member of the Home of Representatives from 2011 to 2015. In each capacities, she carried out very effectively which earned her the recognition she enjoys amongst her individuals particularly from Yola North, Yola South and Gire Federal Constituency.
Nonetheless, due to gender politics which has its roots embedded in our cultural and non secular doctrines, particularly in Northern Nigeria, all her accomplishments and impeccable qualities had been sacrificed on the alter of gender insensitivity.
Most individuals who voted towards her shared the sentiment that “God forbid a girl to be in management of an entire state.” How are we going to handle her? “Your Excellency?” These individuals maintain the assumption that this has far reaching implication as a result of by advantage of her place (if elected as Governor) the revered conventional rulers within the state will probably be answerable to her and this additionally means she will be able to take away or appoint any such conventional rulers.
One thing many consider is repugnant to our core conventional and non secular values. This was little doubt an inhibiting issue towards her which robotically gave Fintiri an edge over her, her competence and credibility regardless.
In different climes the place the political platform has been made a degree taking part in floor for each genders, ladies have distinguished themselves and have confirmed to be as succesful and in some instances, even higher than the boys. Make a journey to Liberia and see how Ellen Sirleaf Johnson remodeled her nation when she was president. She laid the muse for a contemporary Liberia.
One other issue that performed out within the governorship election was Godfatherism. Like many states within the nation, there are energy brokers who consider that you would be able to’t be governor in Adamawa with out their blessings and endorsement, one in every of such is the PDP Presidential Candidate within the simply concluded election. It is going to be an embarrassments of the very best order for him to unfastened on the prime and equally lose a maintain of his state which is often in his pocket. As such, every little thing was accomplished from his tent to make sure that his celebration has a agency grip of the primary seat within the state.
Tribalism was one other issue that by no means favoured her even thou Binani is a bonafide Fulani girl. The Lamido of Adamawa and virtually most influential key gamers within the state are Fulani which was suppose to be an added benefit for her however many of the citizens weren’t snug together with her tribe which symbolically personal and management the state. Adamawa State has greater than 70 minority tribes. As such, they like voting for Ahmadu Umar Fintiri (ATM) who’s a minority tribe from Madagali Native Authorities Space of Adamawa State.
The final straw that broke the camel’s again was her perceived desperation to win in any respect value. The desperation to make historical past because the First elected feminine governor in Nigeria made rush to place out an acceptance speech when she was illegally declared the winner of the run-off election regardless of realizing full effectively that solely 10 out of the 20 native governments end result within the state had been counted and introduced. This sadly made her fall out of favour of the great individuals of the state.
For no matter it’s value, it’s apparent that election has come and gone and classes have been learnt, expertise has been gained and techniques have been re-evaluated.
Binani might not have made historical past but, however one can’t deny the truth that she has put up a great struggle and identical to John the Baptist, she has cleared the trail for different ladies who will come after her. With this doggedness and transferring at this tempo, the highway to having the primary feminine governor In Nigeria might have been shortened by half.
.Wulumba Iliya Kogos writes from Yola