The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recently declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the Ondo State gubernatorial election held on November 16, 2024. Aiyedatiwa’s victory marks a significant milestone as he transitions from serving as a deputy to a full-term governor, joining the ranks of several other notable Nigerian politicians who made similar strides. Here’s a look at prominent figures who transitioned from deputy governors to state leaders:
Key Political Figures: From Deputies to Governors
- Goodluck Jonathan (Bayelsa State)
- Ascended to governorship in December 2005 after the impeachment of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Jonathan’s political journey led him from Bayelsa State to serving as Nigeria’s Vice President and eventually as President.
- Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna State)
- Became governor in May 2010 following Namadi Sambo’s elevation to Vice President. Yakowa was notably the first Christian to govern Kaduna State.
- Virginia Etiaba (Anambra State)
- Made history as Nigeria’s first female governor in November 2006 after the impeachment of Peter Obi. However, her tenure was brief, as Obi’s impeachment was overturned three months later.
- Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo State)
- Took over in January 2006 after the impeachment of Rashidi Ladoja. Although Ladoja regained his position later that year, Alao-Akala subsequently won the 2007 election.
- Bala James Ngilari (Adamawa State)
- Assumed office in October 2014 following the impeachment of Murtala Nyako, leading the state until May 2015.
- Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe State)
- Became governor in January 2009 after the death of Governor Mamman Ali. He later secured re-election in 2011 and 2015.
- Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State)
- Rose to governorship in 2015 after serving as deputy to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso during two separate terms (1999-2003 and 2011-2015). Ganduje was re-elected in 2019.
- Umar Namadi (Jigawa State)
- Transitioned from deputy to governor in 2023, succeeding Badaru Abubakar.
- David Umahi (Ebonyi State)
- Moved from deputy governor to governor in 2015, securing the position under the PDP platform.
- Mahmud Shinkafi (Zamfara State)
- Became governor in 2007 after serving as deputy for eight years under Yerima Sani. His switch to the PDP in 2008 impacted his re-election chances in 2011.
- Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna State)
- Took the helm in 2012 following the death of Patrick Yakowa, serving until 2015.
- Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
- Assumed the governorship in 2023 following the passing of Rotimi Akeredolu. Aiyedatiwa’s 2024 victory against multiple challengers, including the PDP’s Agboola Ajayi, underscores his solidifying political influence.
This trend of deputy governors stepping up to governorship illustrates a recurring path in Nigerian politics, showcasing how political continuity often shapes the leadership landscape across various states.
News Editor