His name first burst onto the public scene in 1989. As part of his long-winding an ultimately futile transition program, General Ibrahim Babangida had lifted the ban on political activities. He allowed political parties to be formed and to seek registration with the National Electoral Commission [NEC], precursor of today's INEC.
One of the parties formed at the time was People's Front [PF] which was floated by the former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters Major General Shehu Musa Yar'adua. The party was made up solely of the General's associates, one of whom was a former permanent secretary and former ambassador, Babagana Kingibe. PF's first chairman was the former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria Professor Ango Abdullahi, another close associate of Yar'adua.
...