Recent political outing of former Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, popularly called Ibro, has elicited a lot of reactions from across political divide.
The Kogi social media space went agog over Alhaji Ibrahim Idris governorship campaign tour with his son, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim. Abubakar is one of the twelve governorship aspirants vying for the PDP sole ticket.
Curiously, I noticed that members of All Progressives Congress (APC) and core supporters of Gov. Yahaya Bello were at the forefront of agitation against the PDP chieftains. I began to wonder what their stake or fears are. Are they afraid of Ibro? I am aware they want PDP governorship primaries to end in confusion leading to top leaders withdrawing support for whoever emerge candidate so Bello can get an undeserved second term.
I must state that the social media buzz was not limited to APC jingoists, genuine members of the PDP also joined their voice in the trending topic. Just as it is the dream of every father to have a child that will surpass his achievements, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris is not expected to stand aloof when his son seek to surpass him.
Abubakar is not a new comer. He has associates across the state. Of course, he will leverage on his father’s goodwill in the contest to pick the party ticket. I believe former Governor Ibrahim Idris outing must have been part of a well though out political strategy. If it works for him in the coming primary, then every one should queue behind him and if it fails, he will definitely learn a political lesson either in a hard way or softer way.
To some, Ibro should bring forward a neutral person and throw his weight behind such considering the facts that he was a governor for nine years and had his friend, Capt Idris Wada succeed him in 2012.
There is nothing wrong with Alhaji Ibrahim Idris decision to back his own son for the coveted seat though I have read different views and opinion concerning his recent political outing with his son. Yes, such differing views are necessary and part of political ingredients that makes politics a game of the mind.
His Excellency has taken his own decision and I think he should be allowed to test political water. As an experienced politician that he is, he knows the pros and cons of his action and inaction. However, to some, he should have functioned as a leader and a political adviser or consultant to other aspirants so he cam take a very informed and unbiased decision. In the same vein, some strongly believe that since his friend, Capt Wada is in the race, the percieved misunderstanding should be settled amicably and allow Wada complete his second term quest as he too is on the field working for his victory in the coming PDP primary.
To other school of thoughts, politics is all about interest, which include the interest of the state, the interest of the masses, the interest of power blocks etc. Even at that, saying Ibro will not support his own son in the race will amount to self deceit.
The most important thing here is that he has said if his son fail at the primary election, he will support whoever wins the party ticket and that is the most important thing to us.
Ibro did not and can not impose his son on the people hence his decision to go all out, canvassing for support for his son. It is left for the people to decide. Remember his son, Mohammed has lost House of Representatives contest twice.
PDP must not impose anybody on the people and the delegates must be given free hands to decide while the conductive environment must be provided by the party leaders at Wadata Plaza and state level for everybody to try his or her popularity.
Ibrahim Idris can’t impose his son on the people.
– Usman Okai Austin, a social crusader and public affairs analyst, writes from Abuja.
