The question of allegiance is perhaps the most challenging issue at the core of Nigerian politics today. A single element with which a leader may become a deity and a country can become a superpower among peers; in the lack of which, a politician or a nation may fail miserably.
Many Nigerians are waiting to see who would succeed President Muhammadu Buhari as preparations for the 2023 general elections gain traction among prominent leaders throughout the nation.
President Buhari who is widely renowned for his knack to ‘reward loyalty’, may endorse any of his “beloved” political subjects to continue his legacy at the helm of affairs.
The following are five politicians that fit this profile;
1. Mallam Adamu Adamu – The current Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu is a journalist as well as an accountant.
He is believed to be a close friend of President Muhammadu Buhari and a powerful member of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC). Hitherto, he was the secretary of President Buhari’s Transition Committee.
2. Ibrahim Gambari – Gambari is the President’s current Chief of Staff, succeeding Abba Kyari following his death.
He has known President Buhari since the 1980s, when he was the foreign minister and Buhari was the military commander.
3. Lawal Kazaure –
He is presently the President’s Chief of Protocol and an APC supporter. He formerly served as the National Intelligence Agency’s deputy director.
4. Ben Ayade –
Ayade is the governor of Cross River State at the time of this writing. He was a strong supporter of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He has a good chance of being named as his successor by the President.
5. Rotimi Amaechi – The current Minister of Transportation previously served as head of Rivers state (2007 – 2015).
He is a member of the governing APC party. He is still a key member of Buhari’s government and one of the few southerners in whom the President has faith.
