Former Ogun State Governor, Olusegun Osoba, has shed light on the reasons why outgoing Presidents and Governors often hesitate to support their deputies’ bids to succeed them.
Speaking at the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja, Osoba attributed the reluctance to distrust and suspicion, noting that this is a global issue, not limited to Nigeria.
During the conference, themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” Osoba remarked, “It is most unfortunate. It is not just in Africa. It happens all over the world.”
He highlighted the strained relationship between former U.S. President Bill Clinton and his Vice President, Al Gore, saying, “Al Gore contested the presidency but did not get Clinton’s full support because he feared Clinton might be a liability to his campaign.”
Osoba acknowledged that while it is uncommon for deputies to succeed their superiors, there is hope for such possibilities in Nigeria.
He expressed optimism about the future, saying, “The array of young and passionate leaders we see at this conference gives us confidence that one day, one of them will emerge as the president of this country.”
The former governor also raised concerns about the increasing trend of governors orchestrating the impeachment of their deputies. When questioned about the possibility of constitutional amendments to safeguard deputies from being undermined by their superiors, Osoba was doubtful.
He remarked, “There is little anybody can do about it. If the State House of Assembly is friendly with the governor, he can attempt anything, including impeaching his deputy.”
Osoba emphasized that the solution lies in fostering better relationships between leaders and their deputies, rather than relying on legal frameworks.
“It is not by law but by relationship. Cooperation between leaders is crucial,” he asserted.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, also spoke at the event, addressing the complexities of the deputy role.
He compared it to theological debates, stating, “Even in theology, God has no deputy because of its controversial nature. A leader does not determine his continuity in office. If a leader falls sick or dies, someone has to take over.”
Ganduje suggested that ongoing discussions might lead to a constitutional review addressing the challenges faced by deputy governors. “Maybe certain paragraphs can be included in favor of deputy governors,” he concluded.
