General Ibrahim Babangida (IBB)’s quest for the nation’s top job in 2007 may have run into bad weather as the former military dictator’s camp has factionalized between staunch supporters and opportunistic followers who are decamping to other political camps even in his own state of Niger.
The decision of the defecting IBB supporters is said not to be unconnected with the recent criticisms of the eight year administration of the former military head of state as revealed by some of those who played prominent roles especially that of alleged unjustifiable execution of some military officers, the most prominent of whom was the late General Mamman Vatsa.
Some of the IBB loyalists, Saturday Independent findings also showed, have reasoned that, should he scale the tight Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) requirements before contesting any election, Babangida may not be able to waggle through endless criticisms that have trailed his eight years in office to convince Nigerians that there was no truth whatsoever in all that was said about his years in office.
In order not to be politically disenfranchised in the state, the source further revealed, that some of the IBB loyalists have begun talks towards pitching their tents with the camp of the likes of Professor Jerry Gana while some have defected to the camp of the former minister of the federal capital territory, Major General Mamman Kontagora (retired).
The source also revealed that apart from the fears of being rendered politically irrelevant, some of the affected politicians are convinced that IBB may not after all stand for election considering the array of forces against his political ambition.
Meanwhile, one of the ardent supporters of the IBB 2007 agenda and Special Adviser to Governor Kure on political matters, Alhaji Yahaya Emilugi, has acknowledged the fact that opposition forces are ganging up against IBB but assured that they will do something within the shortest possible time to stem the unfortunate tide.
Emilugi who spoke in an interview in Minna on IBB’s chance of beating all the forces against him and getting the nod of Nigerians to rule the country again, said the camp would also apply the tactics of counseling the youths and indeed all supporters of the former president on the need for them to remain resolute on the IBB 2007 cause.
"It is not as if we are doubtful of the political faithfulness of the youths and their support for IBB, but there is the need to constantly remind our youth organisations especially now that we are approaching the crucial stage of the campaign to actualise the IBB 2007 agenda".
Emilugi, who said he could not rule out the possibility of money playing a destructive role in the IBB camp, declared "we know what money can do. We are also conscious of the fact that some people with material means can go to virtually any length to achieve their individual political gains."
He also explained that some people who claim to be supportive of the IBB cause are sabotaging his efforts in Niger state.
"We are aware of efforts being quietly put up by those opposing Babangida in the state and we know that the idea is to split his votes from his home state, Niger, and consequently embarrass him with the possibility of loss of popularity and the forth-coming election. But I assure you, we are right on our guards and equal to the task ahead of us in ensuring success in 2007".
