President Buhari is up for re-election, that much is known by all Nigerians, former President Olusegun Obasanjo is against the re-election of Buhari, that much is known by most Nigerians, but what is not known by the majority of the populace is the fact that a group of highly influential former military generals are stoutly against the President.
To many observers, this would be strange due to the fact that the military is Buhari’s primary constituency, therefore he should get maximum support from his old colleagues, however, a keen look at history will point to the fact that the President has not always been a favourite of the old boys.
In his previous attempts to become the president of Nigeria, Buhari hardly featured in the calculation of the old military guard, indeed his was mostly isolated by the Obasanjo, Babangida led group, instead, pitching their tents with civilians, who are usually supported by former President Obasanjo.
Also, Buhari’s tenure has a military head of state was relatively short, he was removed from office through another coup by General Babangida only a few short months after taking charge of affairs of the country.
However, things did change leading to the general elections of 2015, faced with lingering security and economic issues, the Generals had to swallow the bitter bill of rallying behind Buhari against the former President Goodluck Jonathan. This among other factors led to the emergence of the former military leader as the president of Nigeria.
Now, four years down the line, another election season is around the corner and it seem that the gang have all but vowed to see that Buhari is not elected back in office for another four-year term. But the question is why are they so adamant?
Well many have suggested that due to Buhari’s character, he is mostly an outsider and a loner within the group of generals, he is seen as a man who will not play to the will of others and this much was the case after he became president as many believed the likes of Obasanjo and Babangida became frustrated with their lack of influence with the president.
This much was said by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, he said:
“The generals, especially past leaders, have ganged up and reached a conclusion that President Buhari should not continue. When he ruled more than eight years, and they now do not want Buhari to complete his tenure.
“The future of Nigeria is in the hands of very few Nigerians, especially the generals. Why do they believe Nigeria belongs to them? Let us not forget that Buhari was removed after spending less than three years and was put in prison for three years because he was fighting corruption.
“During President Olusegun Obasanjo’s era when Atiku was his vice, he took the sum $16billion from the country’s account and shared it amongst private individuals. If Atiku had seen the mammoth crowd in Kaduna and Bauchi states that welcomed us, he would have preferred to have remained in the United States of America (USA).”
It must be highlighted that Buhari’s performance as President has not been very encouraging, this will also give the Generals more leverage against their colleague. In all these, the biggest Beneficiary is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who seem to have secured the support of the powerful group, his fate was sealed when he eventually settled his long quarrel with Obasanjo and secured the retired General’s endorsement.
Still on the issue of campaign and President Buhari’s re-election bid, outgoing Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode insists that the President remains the only viable candidate among those contesting for re-election insisting calling on the people of Lagos State to vote in large numbers for the APC’s candidate.
“The choice before Nigerians is simple; to go back to the days of corruption, infrastructural decay and insecurity or continue with the trajectory of infrastructural development, steady anti-corruption war and the constant fight against territorial threats. This is what the Buhari and Osinbajo ticket represents.
“They have initiated social inclusion policies and constructed critical infrastructure across the federation which is gradually bringing back the nation’s economy in the right path and giving Nigerians a real sense of belonging. This is the way we want to go and Nigerians have shown that this is where they are going to go,” Ambode said.
Ambode’s statement was also echoed by President Buhari who stated that his administration had made tremendous strides in infrastructural development.
“We have recorded success with the railways; we are going to ensure trains get to Baro. We will complete the Suleja-Minna Road, Mokwa- Tegina and Bokani-Kontagora roads. I promise that I will continue to take care of you and I pray that God gives us rain for better farming this year. But make sure, you vote for the APC from top to bottom,” Buhari said.
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