The battle for Adamawa Central Senatorial District has commenced with the incumbent senator not in the race, as of now. Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed has opted for the contest for the governor position.
Both the All Progressive Congress (#APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (#PDP), are battle-ready, but the APC appears to be more inclined to ‘discussion’ among the aspirants, rather than going to the ballot box.
Prior to May 29, 2007, no one knew Abdul Aziz Nyako in Adamawa politics. But after Murtala Nyako, Abdul Aziz’s father asserted full authority and put a strong personal stamp on his government as the governor of Adamawa state, Abdul Aziz became a force to reckon with in Adamawa politics. In fact, Abdul Aziz was often referred to as the de facto Governor of Adamawa state. Two things helped him to reach that status- firstly, he had effortlessly grabbed the nighty-gritty of Adamawa local politics. And secondly, he took advantage of the Pulako nature of most Fulbe fathers- they hardly talk to their first sons.
Abdul Aziz is always alert to his political needs and wants, his military training may be his guide- he used that opportunity to hijack most of the structures of Adamawa APC at its formation stage in 2014- he used government structures, workers & even legislatures to maneuver his ways.
Before he became a senator, no one ever gave thought that Abdul Aziz Nyako will give an excellent representation in the Red Chambers. But he was one the best senators of Adamawa produced from 1999.’ AbdulAziz’s quality of debates and issues raised at the Senate chambers were always superb and reflected the ‘needs’ & ‘wants’ of his ‘larger’ constituencies.
Abdul Aziz has some bright chances to win the APC Senatorial ticket for Adamawa central. He is controversies-free as well as in the know of the intricacies in the formation of Adamawa APC in 2014. He would heavily rely upon the Murtala Nyako cult-like followership- which proved a point in the 2019 governorship elections via the ADC platform.
The APC is still pained by Abdul Aziz’s role in denying it the Adamawa governorship position in the 2019 elections – Aziz’s 113,237 votes was the last straw that broke the camel’s back for APC’s defeat. Some APC stalwarts might not have forgiven Abdul Aziz, but politics is politics. Inadequate strong war chest may be another hurdle for Abdul Aziz. If Senator Binani changes her mind from contesting for the governorship seat to her Senatorial position, the politicking will also have to change, Abdul Aziz will have to up his game, but so far, the APC ticket for Adamawa central senatorial is Abdul Aziz’s.
Next, Insha Allah I will look at the PDP aspirants- the game in the PDP is the most fascinating.
Zayyad I. writes from Abuja, 08036070980
