Two former Governors who swore never to accept Ministerial offer..
Two former Governors who failed to clench a second term..
Two former Governors who failed to clench a second term..
In Addition to the already existing 28 nominees, the President today forwarded a list of 19 ministerial nominees to the senate for screening.
A total 47 Ministerial nominees are being screened by the red chambers to handle different portfolios in the President’s executive council.
Amongst the nominees are 9 immediate past governors. Comprising of some who had served two terms and others who had failed to secure a second term bid.
Two former Governors who swore never to accept Ministerial offer..
First on the list is former Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State.
The former presidential aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party who failed secure the party’s flag by coming second in the primary elections has raised a lot of eyebrows over his nomination by the APC led administration despite his conspicuous membership in the opposition (PDP).
Although there are clear indications that the former Governor may have openly supported Bola Tinubu’s bid in Rivers State against his party man and rival, Atiku Abubakar.
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai.
His nomination, though not surprising but comical to Nigerians, seeing that he had made a declaration of not wanting to be Minister again.
El-rufai served as Minister of the FCT 20 years ago under the Obasanjo led administration.
Governors who failed to secure a second term bid..
The third on the list is Adegboyega Oyetola who had served as Governor of Osun State from 2018-2022 before he was ousted by current Governor of the State, Ademola Adeleke.
Oyetola beat his long time rival and former godfather, Rauf Aregbesola and made the second list of the President today, 02 August 2023.
Some other former Governors who would not be retiring after their time in office are Bello Mattawalle, former Governor of Zamfara State who failed to secure a second tenure.
current senators who may be leaving the red chambers for a seat at the FEC.
Number 5 on this list is Senator David Umahi, immediate past governor of Ebonyi State and current Senator in the red chambers.
It is however unclear why Dave Umahi will be jostling the Senate for a ministerial seat in the President’s cabinet.
Former Governor of Yobe State, and current Senator, Ibrahim Gaidem would also be vacating his seat in the senate for a Ministerial slot. While this decision remains unclear, securing a senate seat before the president’s nomination may just be a contingency plan in the even of any uncertainty.
Soft landing after two terms
The seventh former governor who would be enjoying a soft landing in the Administration is two time elected Abubakar Badaru, immediate past governor of Jigawa State.
Former Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu was not left out of the list as he would be joining the executive council of the president, after 8 years of governorship in his state.
“Reward for service”
Simon Lalong’s nomination would not be coming as a shock to many, seeing his service rendered during the presidential campaigns where he served as director of the campaign.
While portfolios have not been presented to the nominees, there are high speculations that lobbyists are already underway to grab juicy Ministries.