Former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba has highlighted a major issue in political leadership, emphasizing that suspicion and a lack of trust often prevent presidents and governors from transferring leadership roles to their deputies. Osoba expressed these views during the 3rd Annual Conference of the Forum of Former Deputy Governors of Nigeria, held in Abuja.
Themed “Strategic Solutions for Good Governance, Food Security, and Sustainable Growth in Nigeria,” the conference addressed the challenges deputies face in governance. Osoba cited international examples, such as the strained political relationship between former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and President Bill Clinton, to illustrate that this issue is not unique to Nigeria but exists globally.
He lamented the frequent trend of governors working to impeach their deputies, noting that constitutional amendments alone might not resolve the issue due to governors’ influence over state legislatures. Instead, he emphasized the need for stronger personal relationships and cooperation between leaders.
Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress and former governor of Kano State, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the role of deputies. While light-heartedly noting that even in theology, God has no deputy, he stressed the importance of having someone ready to take over leadership if needed. Ganduje called for continued advocacy to push for a constitutional review that might strengthen the role of deputy leaders in Nigeria’s governance structure.
