5 governors who will likely contest for the Senate in 2019

Nigerian governors are perhaps the most powerful and influential political bloc in the country.

The power and influence wielded by an incumbent governor in this country is better imagined than talked about.

Haven enormous power and influence, most governors tend to remain relevant in the scheme of things after their tenure ends.

While some of them position themselves for a federal appointment, others head to the Senate in what has now become a merry-go round for these politicians.

At the moment, there are over a dozen former governors in the Nigerian Senate.

While some political watchers argue that the experience of these governors cannot be wished away having presided over a state, others say the governors ought to take a bow after eight years in the saddle in their respective states.

NAIJ.com lists five governors whose tenure will end in 2019 and will likely run for elections into the Senate in their respective states.

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1. Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun): He is not new to the Senate having served as a senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District from 2003 to 2007. The 58-year old will most likely head back to the red chamber after his tenure ends in 2019. He has a firm grip on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state despite the return of his political arch rival and former governor, Olusegun Osoba. Amosun will likely have an easy ride if he decides to move to Abuja.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state

2. Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo): His political journey is similar to that of Amosun. He left the private sector to contest for the Oyo South Senatorial District election in 2003. In 2007, both men contested for the governorship elections in their states under the banner of the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), a bid they both lost. As they complete their tenure in 2019, it is expected that they will both head back to the Senate.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state

3. Kashim Shettima (Borno): He is a rising political star in the North east region of the country. He has been hailed by many for the way and manner he has handled the pressure of insurgency in his state. His resilient spirit, outspokenness and achievements even in the face of terrorism gives him an edge in any electoral contest. Shettima is in the class of politicians who will be pressured by his own people to represent them in the Senate.

Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state

4. Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari (Zamfara): It is not for nothing that he is the leader of Nigeria’s Governors Forum. Yari, who is a former member of the House of Representatives, is one politician who has paid his dues as the chief executive of Zamfara state. Due to his intimidating political influence, some of his die-hard loyalists say he is bigger than the Senate seat. But it is likely Yari will give the Senate a shot come 2019.

5. Umaru Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa): He is one politician who should be hailed for standing firm in the face of federal-backed intimidation as the lone governor in the defunct Congress for Progressives Congress (CPC). At 63, Al Makura has seen it all in politics. Having served as a youth leader in a political party and a member of the constitution assembly in the 1980s, his loyalists say his experience is needed at the federal legislature.