Leadership NG
Second-term governors who have come out openly to anoint successors are facing stiff opposition from other aspirants ahead of the party primaries for various elective positions that begin next week.
Nineteen of the 36 state governors are in their second and final terms in office and will exit on May 29, 2023. The governorship election in Ekiti State will, however, be held on June 18, 2022. All others are holding on March 11, 2023, according to the election schedule released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The governorship primaries must be held before June 3, 2022 and outgoing governors are consolidating their grip on party structures and the delegates who will elect the respective flag bearers.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has planned its governorship primaries for May 24, 2022, while the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is scheduled to hold its primaries on May 23, 2022.
Some governors are, however, yet to endorse any aspirants, causing tension within their own camps and parties, and leading to fears of possible imposition at the last minute.
Findings by LEADERSHIP Sunday, however, show that the outgoing governors are in a good position to ensure their preferred aspirants emerge victorious at the primaries.
Our correspondents compiled reports on who the governors have endorsed or are believed to be backing and, thus, likely to win their party tickets. `
In Katsina, All Eyes Are On Masanawa
Governor Aminu Bello Masari has promised to give all aspirants equal opportunity in the primary election of the APC, but there is rising speculation in the state pointing to the managing director of the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC), Umar Abbas Masanawa, as the most likely aspirant for the ticket.
This follows his purchase of interest and…
