The 2015 presidential elections have come and gone. The opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC) have won the majority votes and have been magnanimous in victory while the incumbent president, President Goodluck Jonathan should be commended for his statesmanship, accepting defeat and even going ahead to congratulate his opponent, General Muhammadu Buhari when it was clear he had lost.
Now, the coast is clear, and it is now time for serious political permutations and politicking. Analysts are looking forward to an APC cabinet filled with qualified men and women who can help Buhari steer this nation to prosperity.
Naij.com pens down 6 chieftains (from the 6 geo-political zones of Nigeria) of the APC who are most likely to make the cut. Read below:
1. Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed (North-West): Dr. Ahmed is the Coordinator of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kaduna State. He is a retired civil servant and he has served Nigeria in various capacities meritoriously. He was one of the senior APC chieftains at the International Conference Centre (ICC), venue of the collation of the 2015 presidential result. His loyalty to Buhari is unshakeable and he is likey to be among the first names penciled down for a ministerial duty under the Buhari government. Prediction: Foreign Affairs
Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed
2. Governor Rotimi Amaechi (South-South):Rivers state governor and the Director-General of the Buhari/Osinbanjo campaign team, Amaechi, is one of the biggest winners in the just concluded presidential election. Amaechi who practically sacrificed his comfort to work tirelessly for Buhari’s victory is a grassroots politician whose support base is very solid. His sterling performance as the governor of Rivers state also puts him in good stead for a ministerial appointment. Prediction: Interior
Rotimi Amaechi
3. Kayode Fayemi (South-West): Former governor of Ekiti state, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is a strong contender for a role in Buhari’s cabinet. Fayemi supervised the rancour-free and credible presidential primary election of the APC in Lagos late last year. Armed with a Doctorate in War Studies from the prestigious Kings College, University of London, England. Fayemi’s experience and extensive international contacts will be valuable for Buhari’s government. He has been very visible in the campaign of Buhari and no doubt stands a chance of being part of the new government. Prediction: Trade & Investment
Kayode Fayemi
4. Senator Chris Ngige (South-East): A former governor of Anambra state, Ngige is the face of APC in the South-East. Although he recently lost his aspiration to return to the upper chambers of the national assembly for the second time, Ngige remains a force to reckon with in the scheme of things as far as the South-East is concerned. His achievements in road and infrastructural development as the chief executive of Anambra state is still very fresh in the memories of political observers. Prediction: Works
Dr. Chris Ngige
5. Shehu Garba (North-East): Garba is the spokesperson for the Buhari/Osinbanjo campaign team. A political disciple of the former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Garba has been very visible and effective in the campaign train of Buhari. A core professional, Garba is a veteran in the Nigerian media industry, having worked for decades in various media houses. The Buhari administration will no doubt need his experience as they chart a new course for the country. Prediction: Information & National Orientation
Garba Shehu
6. Prince Abubakar Audu (North-Central):Audu has been twice the Governor of Kogi’s state. His first tenure was from January 1992 until November 1993 and the second from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2003. He is a veteran in Nigerian politics. His administration is credited for building the popular Obajana Cement Factory. The 68-year old has been a strong ally of Buhari right from their days in the defunct All Nigeria’s Peoples Party (ANPP). Audu is expected to be rewarded for his role in ensuring Buhari wins the majority votes in his home-state, thanks to his efforts. Prediction: Labour & Productivity.
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