For the outgoing governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, the fear of Abubakar Audu is the beginning of wisdom.
The out-going governor successfully imposed his in-law, Captain Idris Wada, on PDP in the rescheduled primaries. The outcome of yesterday’s primary offered Ibro three political parties through which he intend to frustrate Audu’s ambition.
It is an open secret that Ibro sent his former Accountant General, Ubolo Okpanachi, to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in a bid to truncate Prince Abubakar Audu’s quest to return to the Lugard House.
After a failed bid to stop Audu from emerging as ACN’s candidate, Ubolo Okpanachi hurriedly crossed over to now empty All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP) to hijack the party’s ticket from Otunba Fabunmi who was poised to pick the ticket earlier.
This move is to confuse local supporters that ANPP is still alive and probably decimate Audu’s potential votes in the forthcoming election.
Ibro’s third candidate is somewhat surprising. He brought in the estranged wife of Prince Abubakar Audu, Chief (Mrs.) Aisha Audu, to also join the governorship race. She is the governorship candidate of Justice Party.
Knowing fully well that the marriage between Prince Audu and Aisha has hit the rocks with attendant accusations and counter-accusations, Ibro is hoping capitalise on this to taint Audu during campaigns.
Aisha Audu role is to raise moral questions as to why Audu and his wife are trying to turn Kogi into a family property. This Ibro believe will be an effective cover for the dissention that will arise from his choice of an in-law as successor.
Ibro is a silent tactician with an unassuming mien. He has successfully dismantled big politicians from the three senatorial districts. His outward looks and pretence disarms even the strong. Very soon, the same politicians in PDP who feel cheated so far will soon be back to dine and wine with this suave political strategist.
