by Azubuike Azikiwe

When President Jonathan’s former Ministers resigned their appointment on October 15, they had one thing in mind; to contest and win the gubernatorial elections of their states, under no other party but the ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party.

For most of them, a dream had, a dream dashed, but for one man so far, a mission accomplished. The man, Nyesom Wike of Rivers state, is the only former minister who won the PDP primaries.

Wike, in spite of his political acrimony with incumbent governor, Rotimi Amaechi of the All Progressives Congress, – managed to win his party’s vote. A feat many ascribe to the presence of structures on ground and intense lobbying of delegates.

However, for the rest of them, it’s been a misadventure, as the myth of the ‘Federal might’ for the first time in recent time, ceased to carry weight.

In Lagos, Musiliu Obanikoro, former Minister of State for Defence lost to Jimi Agbaje, who scored 432 votes against Obanikoro’s 343 votes.

Former Health Minister, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu was defeated in Ebonyi state‎ by Engr. Dave Umahi while Maku, while Labaran Maku, the ex-Information Minister was defeated in Nasarawa state by Yusuf Agabi, who polled 214 against 160 votes scored by Maku.

‎In Abia State, the former Labour Minister, Emeka Ngozi had a measly 33 votes, as Okezie Ikpeazu emerged victorious with a total of 483.

Former Minister of state for aviation, Samuel Ortom came third in the governorship primary held in Benue state woth 111 votes. It was won by Terhemen Tarzoor, the former speaker of the State House of Assembly with 517 votes.

Meanwhile, one man, Darius Ishake, minister for Niger Delta, had his fate decided for him. He has been picked, by some interest groups as a consensus candidate for the Taraba State governorship primary. He will face former acting governor, Garba Umar in the election.

Kolapo Olapoju