In an unprecedented development seven incumbent governors have lost their bid to the Senate putting to lie the political prowess of governors over their fiefdoms.
Newsmen report that of the about 10 outgoing governors who indicated interest in shifting to the Senate that only two governors Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) were successful last weekend.
Governor Aminu Tambuwal’s bid for the Senate is still hanging after his election to represent the Sokoto South Senatorial District was declared inconclusive.
Those who failed in their bid for the Senate were Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Ben Ayade (Cross River).
Newsmen report that Governor Atiku Bagudu (APC) was defeated in his bid to return to the Senate to represent Kebbi Central by the first Fourth Republic governor of the state, Senator Adamu Aliero on the platform of the PDP.
Governor Simon Lalong (APC) was defeated in his bid to represent Plateau South by AVM Napoleon Bali (rtd) (PDP).
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the director general of the PDP presidential campaign was leading Senator Ibrahim Danbaba Dambuwa of APC in the Sokoto South senatorial election with 2,050 votes before it was declared inconclusive.
Besides, the outgoing deputy governor of Sokoto State Manir Muhammad Dan’iya was defeated in his bid for the Sokoto North Senatorial District seat by the incumbent and immediate past governor of the state, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and APC’s leader in the state is so far leading in the Sokoto North senatorial election with 11,732 votes.
Newsmen report that incumbent governors at the point of exit have normally aspired to the Senate and rarely lose in such bids.
