With the death of Buhari, a wide vacuum has been created particularly in Northern Nigeria where his political base is solidly established and deeply rooted. From his three records of unsuccessfully attempts at the presidency, Buhari had taken into his kit,12 million votes at every election period.
These exceptional performances have elicited public discourse. Questions are being asked as to who will step into his big shoe? Can his successor inherit the 12 million votes late Buhari enjoys throughout his political journey?
In the next two years, Nigerians will go to poll to elect their various leaders, including the highest office in the land (president). Nigerians are witnessing the alignment and realignment of political forces. This development will make the 2027 elections very fascinating. North which holds the political ace and determines where the pendulum normally swings.
Northern Nigeria is not in short supply of credible leaders. From time immemorial, the region had paraded and produced qualitative leaders such as late political sage, Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto), radical Aminu Kano, soft-spoken Shehu Shagari and charismatic Muhammadu Buhari.
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Since the passing of Muhammadu Buhari, political analysts have continued to push the list of some prominent northern politicians as his likely successors. Names of former Vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former governor of Kano State Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kaduna State Nasiru Elrufai and Borno State governor, Babagana Ummara Zulum, have featured prominently on the list.
While those names ring bells in northern Nigeria and the country at large, Buhari's successor should be as white as snow. He should not carry a moral baggage. He must be a person of timber and caliber. Buhari's successor must also have an integrity and hates corruption.
These qualities are rare in today's politics. Politics today is being driven by material accumulation. Those who engage in it,see it as a gravy train of wealth acquisition. That is why, it is still debatable, whether Northern Nigeria will ever produce Buhari's successor. After all, one disadvantage of chrastimatic leadership, is its inability to groom a successor.
As the north continues to search for Buhari's successor,it is hoped that,the next "Mai gaskiya" will possess the required leadership qualities for the development of not only the northern Nigeria but also the country in general.
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Ibrahim Mustapha wrote from Pambegua, Kaduna State
