YAR'ADUA'S HANDPICKED SUCCESSOR?

Politically inclined Nigerians realize that the second anniversary of Yar'Adua's inauguration is in a few weeks. They also realize that Presidential elections are on the horizon and many wonder whether Yar'Adua will seek re-election. However, it seems that Yar'Adua is maneuvering certain puzzle pieces to benefit a specific individual who just might be his handpicked successor for the upcoming Presidential elections.


ISA YUGUDA
When Bauchi State governor, Isa Yuguda, made Nasifat Yar'Adua his 4th wife in January 2009, he went from being another unrecognizable state governor to becoming the President's son-in-law and the focus of national scrutiny. In no time, allegations arose that public funds to the tune of N300 million had been used to finance his wedding celebration. Then, despite little evidence of the necessary experience, Yuguda's name was soon floated as a possible replacement for Charles Soludo, the governor of Nigeria's Central Bank. And, now, Yuguda has defected from his political party to join that of his father-in-law - the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
Since entering the national spotlight, rumors of mysterious health issues have dogged President Yar'Adua. While campaigning for the Presidency, Nigerians were informed that he had a 'kidney condition' but were, unfortunately, never given any specifics. In March 2007, Yar'Adua was rushed to Germany for treatment and eventually rumors swirled that he was dead. Since becoming President, there have been reports of other health related trips and Nigerians have wondered if their President's health would impede his ability to run the country. Additionally, political opportunists have used Yar'Adua's health issues to call for his resignation and further instigate political instability. As such, the President's health has become a matter of serious concern for all committed to the nation's democracy and stability.

In light of this reality, many wonder if Yar'Adua will run for re-election. And even the Economist has speculated, with no evidence, that northerners worry that if, for some reason, Yar'Adua cannot fulfill his obligation, the office of the Presidency would fall out of their hands. Yuguda would definitely satisfy any tribal concerns that members of the northern elite have, assuming Yar'Adua chooses to sit out the next set of polls. His defection to the PDP would also make it easier for him to replace Yar'Adua as the party's representative in 2011. Additionally, the fact that Yuguda 'married into' the Yar'Adua family further suggests that he would remain loyal to his father-in-law's interests and those of Yar'Adua's friends.

But, what does this mean for Nigeria's democracy and the will of the people? Should the concerns of the elite be the guiding force in determining who will have the responsibility of guiding Nigeria and remedying the nation's woes such as insufficient electricity, decayed infrastructure and other problems faced by citizens? Wills Yuguda become Yar'Adua's handpicked successor, the way Yar'Adua was picked by Obasanjo? This situation raises so many questions and only time will tell. What is certain, however, is that Yuguda is being maneuvered for something important, and all Nigerians must pay attention. After all, they too should have a say in what happens in their country.


Further Reading:
- Yar'Adua And The Continuing Heath Issue
- The Consequences of Yar'Adua's Mysterious Health
- Yar'Adua's 2 Week Vacation
- How Long Does It take To Replace A Health Minister?