APRIL 2011 ELECTIONS SPECIAL: POLITICIANS WHO WON AND THOSE WHO LOST

The just concluded National elections in Nigeria have been termed the best so far by observers. Though the elections were not without some pitfalls, the Professor Attahiru Jega-led Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was given a pass mark by many Nigerians and foreigners.

However, as some are celebrating their victory at the polls, others are lamenting losing to the opponents. The elections were indeed keenly contested with billions of naira spent on campaigning across the states of the federation. Some parts of the country were also thrown into serious violence, especially in the northern part of Nigeria, where some members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were massacred by blood thirsty youths in the area who were protesting the loss of the election by General Muhammed Buhari of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Buhari lost the presidential election to the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Our editor, Malik Ibitoye, Oladipupo Awojobi and Fisayo Ajibola write on winners and losers in the elections across the states of the federation. 

ADE DOSUNMU

LAGOS (LOSERS)

ADE DOSUNMU

He contested as the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state. Much as he did, his party lost, as usual to the progressives as represented by the Action Congress of Nigeris (ACN) with the incumbent Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola as candidate. Dosunmu scored 300,450 votes against Governor Fashola's 1,509,113 votes. He tried his best during the campaign period moving from one location to another, but his best was not enough as Fashola has become popular over the years based on his people-oriented programmes and the support from the masses. So Dosunmu could not change the tide and he had to go the way of the likes of Musiliu Obanikoro, who contested against Fashola in 2007. for now, he may have to wait for another four years or seek appointment into public office through the Federal Government since his party produced the president.

BODE GEORGE

BODE GEORGE

Chief Bode George, a former vice-chairman of the PDP in the South West came back from the prison shortly before the election. Bode George had been jailed for two years by a Lagos High Court over the stealing of about N18 Billion when he was chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). He was however, absorbed into the party after his release and was given a mandate to win Lagos for the party at all cost. Bode boasted on many occasions that his party would win the state this time around, but when the day of reckoning came, not only did they lose the governorship election, they failed to win any seat in the National Assembly, and the Lagos State house of assembly. ACN cleared all the seats.

AYODELE AKELE

The former unionist came into public reckoning when he led Lagos State civil servants into strike during the military era under retired Brigadier General Buba Marwa. He was later sacked and since then, he has been fighting for the cause of the oppressed. He contested for the governorship seat of the state under the National Conscience Party, led by Mr. Femi Falana. He lost woefully in the election.

DUROSINMI ETTI

Durosinmi contested for the Lagos Central Senatorial Seat in the state under the Labour Party. His party had adopted Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola as its governorship candidate in the state. They had hoped to work with the governor so that he could support them for other political offices from the state. But, the ACN was quick to disassociate itself from the relationship, and this did not deter the party, which went to town with various text messages against the ACN candidates. Much as Durosinmi did, he was defeated by Chief (Mrs.) Remi Tinubu, who won convincingly at the polls.

J. K. RANDLE

BASHORUN J.K RANDLE

Elderly Bashorun J.K Randle contested for the post of the governorship of Lagos State through the Social Democratic Movement Party (SDMP). The politician, who took offence in some of the responses of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola during a governorship debate organized by Channels Television performed woefully at the election.

SEGUN ADEWALE

The proprietor of Aeroland Travel Agency had been contesting for the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2003 under the PDP. In the last election he initially came out for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives from Alimosho Constituency under the Labour Party, but he later changed to the PDP under which he contested the election. Segun is loved by the people as he has done much empowerment for the people of the area and has sponsored many projects in the Alimosho neighbourhood. But Segun Adewale, who is a close pal of Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel was defeated narrowly by Hon. Adeola Olamilekan of the ACN. Adeola has been a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly since 2003. The loss suffered by Segun a.k.a Aeroland was a shock to many, but observers believe he failed because he is not in the right party in the state.

WINNERS

BOLA TINUBU

ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU

Asiwaju Boa Ahmed Tinubu, an ex-governor of Lagos State and Jagaban Borgu has become the father of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), not only in Lagos State, but in the whole of Nigeria. He became popular during the era of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) when the June 12, 1993 election was annulled by the military. Since then, Tinubu has been a force in Yorubaland. All the victories of the ACN in the South West can be attributed to Tinubu's influence. The present Governor of Lagos State was Tinubu's Chief of Staff from 2003 to 2007. He also approves all the candidates of the party in the state. Apart from that, the winner of the Lagos Central Senatorial Election, Remi is his wife. From all fronts, Tinubu is the happiest man in the country today as he has been able to claim the entire South West for the ACN. It is on record that the party cleared all the seats in Lagos State in the election unlike 2007 when they conceded three house of assembly seats to the PDP.

FASHOLA

 GOVERNOR BABATUNDE FASHOLA

The lawyer-turned politician worked assiduously for his victory. He is seen as the best governor in the country, even at that he had one of the best campaigns in the history of the country. He toured all the nooks and crannies of the state campaigning through rallies and road shows, and he invaded newspapers, magazines, journals, radio, and television stations with adverts. These are apart from numerous posters and fliers that were circulated all over the state to promote Fasholamania ethos. From Ikeja, Mushin, Oshodi, Yaba, Surulere, to Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, Agege, Abule Egba, Iyana Ipaja, Alagbado, the name on the lips of the people was Fashola with the saying 'Eko o ni baje.' This was translated into vote on Tuesday April 26, 2011 as Fashola polled 1,509,113 votes, representing 81.9 percent of the total vote cast thus giving him a well deserved 2nd term in office.

ADEYEMI IKUFORIJI

ADEYEMI IKUFORIJI

The incumbent Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly crossed from Epe Constituency 1 to contest for a seat in the House from Ikeja Constituency 1. This actually elicited a lot of negative responses from some people who felt what he wanted to do was unusual. But, the politician, who had worked as a lecturer in the United States of America was not deterred and he got support from several sections of the area. He later won the election and is now set to be part of the 7th Assembly with the hope of serving as the Speaker once again. Adeyemi is a loyal disciple of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the ACN.

HENRY AJOMALE

Chief Henry Dele Ajomale is the Chairman of the ACN in Lagos State. The experienced politician worked round the clock prior to the election and he co-operated with the likes of Bola Tinubu to ensure success for the party in the state. He is well respected by all and sundry as he did not take sides in the whole process and he never had any friction with Tinubu over the election and selection of party candidates before the national elections. Ajomale eventually won all the available seats in the state for his party.

REMI TINUBU

REMI TINUBU

Remi is the wife of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the ACN. The chairperson of a Non-Governmental Organisation, New Era Foundation shocked many with her interest in public office. She contested for the Lagos Central Senatorial Seat. She won the election having polled over 200,000 votes. Remi is new seen as one of the surprises of the 7th National Assembly who would team up with others to move the nation forward as an accomplished fellow, whose husband believes much in welfarist programmes. The woman is respected for her unflinching support for her husband, her love for the masses and heart of giving.

GBENGA ASHAFA

GBENGA ASHAFA

Gbenga Ashafa was the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Lands Bureau. He was favoured by the leaders of the of the ACN to replace Senator Olorunimbe Mamora in the National Assembly from Lagos East Senatorial District. Gbenga campaigned vigorously and he was able to win the election. He has since been replaced by Hakeem Muri Okunola in the Lands Bureau.

GOS

GANIU OLANREWAJU SOLOMON

The man many love to call GOS is going back to his seat in the Senate from Lagos West Senatorial District. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Stock Exchange has won the hearts of the people over the years. He is very popular in Mushin area of the state, where he was the local council chairman. Even now, he is seen as one of the leaders of the ACN in the state. He has embarked on several people-oriented projects that have added to his popularity in the state and he is one of the respected members of the upper legislative chamber.

JUMOKE OKOYA

 JUMOKE OKOYA-THOMAS

Jumoke Okoya-Thomas is a member of the Federal House of Representatives from Lagos Island Federal Constituency. Jumoke is a staunch member of the ACN, who is popular in Lagos Island being a lover of the masses.

Jumoke is going to the House for the third time, and she has been using her good office to bring development to the area. Shortly before the election, Jumoke gave free malaria drugs to the people of the area in large number. At the event, Jumoke made it clear that her love for the people propelled her to do the project and that she would continue to do her best for them at any given time. The daughter of Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas is one person that has been doing the state proud.

ABIKE DABIRI

 ABIKE DABIRI-EREWA

The erstwhile journalist is going to the Federal House of Representatives for the record third time from Ikorodu Constituency. Abike became famous when she handled a controversial story of a girl, whose maternity was being disputed by two women when she was with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). Even in the House, Abike, became one of the vocal members, especially over issues affecting women and journalists. She is the proponent of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill, which has since been signed into law by the National Assembly. The ACN member has done many projects for the people of Ikorodu.

DAYO BUSH

DAYO ALEBIOSHU (DAYO BUSH)

The stylish member of the Federal House of Representatives from Kosofe Constituency is one of the most popular politicians in the state. So when he came out to contest in the just concluded election under the ACN, the people did not have any doubt and they came out in large number to support him. He eventually won massively in the election and is on his way into the House once again.

EKITI (LOSERS)

AYO ARISE

 AYO ARISE

Senator Ayo Arise is a member of the upper legislative chamber from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Ekiti North Senatorial District. He got into the senate in 2007, but he was defeated by the ACN candidate in the just concluded election, Mr. Olubunmi Adetumbi. Arise had expected to win, but his efforts failed to give him enough votes last week.

AYO FAYOSE

AYO FAYOSE

Ayo Fayose was elected as the governor of Ekiti State in 2003 under the PDP after the defeat of ex-governor Niyi Adebayo of the then AC at the polls. His tenure as governor was marred by crisis and he was eventually impeached and was taken to court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over embezzlement of public funds as governor. Though the case is still in court, Fayose still contested for a seat in the senate from Ekiti Central District under the Labour Party, but he was defeated by Mr. Babafemi Ojudu, an ace journalist. Fayose has since rejected the results of the election.

WINNERS

KAYODE FAYEMI

GOVERNOR KAYODE FAYEMI

Fayemi re-claimed his stolen mandate from ex-governor Segun Oni of Ekiti State last year. Since then, the doctorate degree holder has been warming himself into the hearts of the people. With this, the ACN chieftain was able to win majority of the National Assembly seats and the state house of assembly seat for his party in the election. The soft-spoken politician was hailed by the people everywhere he went for  campaign. ACN won the three senatorial seats, six federal constituency seats and 24 out of the 26 House of Assembly seats in the state.

NIYI ADEBAYO

NIYI ADEBAYO

It was in 2003 that Otunba Niyi Adebayo was defeated as the governor of the state by Ayo Fayose. Since then, the ACN chieftain had been trying to get the progressives back to power in the South West state as the PDP clinched all the National Assembly seats and majority of the state house of assembly seats in the states then. But now, the tide has turned and the ACN is back to power in the state courtesy of the efforts of the likes of Niyi Adebayo. Niyi has now become a godfather in the Ekiti politics with the presence of his party in the National Assembly as well as the state house of assembly.

BABAFEMI OJUDU

The versatile journalist is the senator elect from Ekiti Central Senatorial District. Ojudu is one of the Directors of P.M News/The News Magazine in Lagos and was one of the journalists who put their lives on the line to fight the draconian government of the late General Sanni Abacha. With the victory, Ojudu will add his voice to those of the other progressives in the upper chamber. He is a chieftain of the ACN.

OPEYEMI BAMIDELE

OPEYEMI BAMIDELE

Opeyemi is the immediate past Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State. He actually contested for the primaries of the Ekiti Central Senatorial seat of the ACN, but lost to Ojudu. He was later persuaded to go for a seat in the Federal House of Representatives and he won. The erstwhile president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) would be an asset for the lower chamber when the 7th National Assembly resumes in June 2011. Opeyemi is an activist and a lawyer.

ANAMBRA (LOSERS)

DORA AKUNYILI

 DORA AKUNYILI

The ex-Director General of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and ex-Minister for Information and National Orientation contested for a seat in the Senate from Anambra Central District under All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against the incumbent Senator Annie Okonkwo of the PDP and ex-governor Chris Ngige of the ACN. Ngige won the race after much hassles and rejection of the initial results by Akunyili's camp.

ANNIE OKONKWO

SENATOR ANNIE OKONKWO

Senator Okonkwo is the incumbent senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the upper chamber. He lost the seat to ex-governor Chris Ngige. Okonkwo actually made much noise and tried to convince the voters to return him to office, but he did not succeed and he has to vacate the seat after May 29.

PETER OBI

 PETER OBI

Mr. Peter Obi is the incumbent Governor of Anambra State, who came to power under APGA after the removal of Chris Ngige in 2005. He also won a second term ticket during the February 6, 2010 elections in the state. However, Obi could do little to help Mrs. Dora Akunyili, who crossed from the PDP to the party to contest the just concluded election in the state. His party also lost many political seats in the elections.

JOY EMORDI

JOY EMORDI

The Stylish senator lost her senatorial seat in the state. Joy is another lawmaker from the PDP in the state, who probably felt her victory was a forgone conclusion, but she failed to fly at the polls and has lost to the opponent.

CHRIS UBA

CHRIS UBA

The defeat of the PDP candidates in the elections may be marking the end of the political influence of Chief Chris Uba, who held sway as a top political godfather in the state. He had installed Chris Ngige as Governor in 2003 under the PDP, but when he fell apart with him, he worked for Ngige’s removal as governor of the state. He later lost out in the whole process when Peter Obi won the 2010 elections. The just concluded election has further demystified him as a political leader in the state.

WINNERS

CHRIS NGIGE

 CHRIS NGIGE

It was victory at last for the medical doctor-turned politician last week, when he was declared the winner of the Anambra Central Senatorial Election. The election had been stalemated penultimate week and it was concluded last week with Ngige and Akunyili having close scores. Ngige had been declared winner of the election by the then returning officer, but the authorities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) described the process as inconclusive. Ngige has since been declared winner of the election again, after its conclusion.

ANDY UBA

ANDY UBA

The elder brother of Chris Uba and an ex-aide to ex-governor Olusegun Obasanjo had been declared governor of Anambra State after the 2007 elections before he was removed after two weeks. The court ruled that Peter Obi was elected for four years and must complete his tenure before another governor could take over. However, it was victory at last for Uba last week as he won a seat into the senate.

DELTA (LOSERS)

EDWIN CLARK

EDWIN CLARK

Chief Edwin Clerk is one of the strongest opponents of the incumbent Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of the state. He had campaigned vigorously against Uduaghan when the governorship election was cancelled last year November and a re-run was ordered by INEC. Uduaghan eventually won and he has gone ahead to win the just concluded gubernatorial election in the state, thus earning a second term in office.

GREAT OGBORU

Mr. Great Ogboru of DPP has been contesting against Uduaghan since 2007. He took the governor to court over the results of the 2007 election and a re-run was ordered in 2010. He lost the re-run and he has lost once again to Uduaghan. All things being equal, Ogboru will have to wait till 2015 before contesting for the governorship of the oil-rich state.

OVIE OMO AGEGE

Ovie is another top contender for the post of the governor of Delta State. The ACN chieftain had much hopes prior to the election and he deplored all his arsenal to ensure victory in the election. Unfortunately, he could do little to influence the voters and he was defeated by the incumbent governor. The Itshekiri-born politician will have to wait for another four years before achieving his aims.

WINNER

UDUAGHAN

 EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN

Uduaghan can be described as a cat with nine lives. He fought many battles to retain the seat. The former Chief of Staff to the embattled ex-governor James Ibori of the state has won the seat for a second term. Ibori is now being tried in London over corrupt charges.

Uduaghan withstood all adversities and he never lost focus until he achieved victory at last.

AKWA IBOM (LOSER)

JAMES UDODEHE

JAMES UDOEDEHE

James contested for the post of the governor of Akwa Ibom State under the ACN. Much as he tried, Udoedehe could only poll 163,499 votes against Governor Godswill Akpabio's 957,585 votes, which gave the latter the post. James was arrested two weeks ago after a violence purportedly carried out by his supporters, whereby many lives were lost and properties worth billions of naira were destroyed in Uyo, the state capital. Odoedehe has to go back to the drawing board for his plan in 2015.

WINNER

GODSWILL AKPABIO

 GODSWILL AKPABIO

Governor Godswill Akpabio has no cause to fear as he has been pronounced winner by the INEC. Akpabio is thumbed-up for his massive campaigns and for using the media to his advantage before the elections. Akpabio had to contend with many oppositions and he was given a run for his money by Udoedehe before the elections. But, the people's governor did not take chances and he has won the seat for a second term in office from May 29.

OGUN (LOSERS)

OBASANJO

EX-PRESIDENT OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

The former president from Ogun State with all his grandstanding and mouth-making before the elections should be described as the greatest loser of the century. With his position as the chairman of Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the country, Obasanjo lost all the elections, even in front of his house that he voted. He was told in plain terms through the ballot papers that he has no weight politically. The retired army general lost his ward, local government, federal constituency, senatorial district and state. He could not even return his daughter, Iyabo to the senate. What a pity!

TUNJI OLURIN

GENERAL TUNJI OLURIN

This old man was brought into the governorship race of Ogun state by Obasanjo. He was the guber candidate of the PDP.

Maybe he thought politics was going for peace keeping mission. (you remember General Olurin was the commander of the ECOMOG peace keeping mission during the Liberia war years back). He has been taught the lesson of his life politically as he lost out woefully to those who know much about politics. The painful thing is that he was drafted into the race to scuttle the chances of the Yewa/Awori region of Ogun State who had earlier presented another candidate. Olurin will probably have more time to go and attend to his health.

KASHAM BURUJI

KASHAM BURUJI

Kasham Buruji (or Esho Jinadu) is the controversial business mogul who jumped into the Ogun politics with loads and loads of bags of money. He was the sole financier of the PDP candidate, General Olurin.

Buruji was spending money as if he has the money making machine and people happily collected from him. From cars to jeeps, Buruji was pumping money into politics and his agenda was to install Olurin as the governor of Ogun state and he, Buruji becomes the ultimate godfather. While pumping money into politics, his business empire was having setback. Now, he would probably be bitting his fingers.

DIMEJI BANKOLE

DIMEJI BANKOLE

Infact, many people did not believe the speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole will not go back to the House. His defeat by a less popular candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria shocked many observers. But it was obvious that the fight between Obasanjo and Governor Gbenga Daniel who tore the PDP apart in the state cost Dimeji his victory. It was very painful for his supporters.

MARTINS KUYE

JUBRIL MARTINS KUYE

In 1999, Jubril Martins Kuye was the candidate of the PDP for the Ogun guber elections. He was defeated by Chief Olusegun Osoba of the then Alliance for Democracy (AD). Because the PDP won the presidential election, Martins Kuye was given a federal appointment as a finance minister, and since that time, he has become a leader of the party in the state. However, this election has rubbished his credentials as a political godfather in Ogun state, or specifically in Ijebu land where he hold sway. Even with his current portfolio as the minister of commerce, he could not deliver his area for his party. Too bad!

SULE ONABIYI

This old man is one of the friends of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo. He used to dictate what happens politically in Egbaland, especially in Ifo Local Government, but the wind of change has blown all his influence away. Chief Sule Onabiyi should retire from politics if he wants to enjoy his old age. He lost his strong hold of Ifo local government to the opposition party.

GBOYEGA NASIR ISIAKA

GBOYEGA NASIR ISIAKA

His followers call him GNI. This young man contested under the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) for the governorship position of Ogun State. Though he came third, many still believe he gave a good showing owing to the fact that the PPN was launched in the state about six weeks before the guber election couple with series of battles he was made to face by the PDP who didn't want him to contest the election.

IYABO OBASANJO

IYABO OBASANJO

One of her campaign bill boards, reads “ko si omo bi Iyabo” meaning, there is no child like Iyabo. But the election has shown Iyabo that there are even candidates that are better than her. This senator who is the daughter of the ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo has seen that her father could not even help her to get back to the senate as she was dealt with seriously by the ACN candidate. This will definitely serve as a lesson to her and help reduce her arrogance.

WINNERS

OLUSEGUN OSOBA

OLUSEGUN OSOBA

After he lost his governorship seat in 2003 to Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Chief Olusegun Osoba relocated to Lagos state and went low profile on anything political. He began to enjoy his private life by going to parties and other social events with his wife and other political friends in Lagos. Osoba reconnected with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the other AD stalwarts in the southwest.

These politicians midwived the birth of the ACN and the journey to take over the south west began. Chief Osoba naturally became the ACN godfather in Ogun State and the victory of ACN in Ogun State is a victory for Chief Olusegun Osoba.

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN

IBIKUNLE AMOSUN

At last, Senator Ibikunle Amosun will be sworn in as the governor of Ogun State on May 29, 2011,. The accountant turned politician was in the senate between 2003 and 2007 under the PDP. In 2007 he contested against Governor Daniel under the banner of the All Nigerian Peoples Party and lost, though he went to court, but many people in the state believe he couldn't have won because he contested under a party that is not popular in the southwest region. But when Amosun became the candidate of the ACN for the last election, many knew he had made the right decision, and today he is savouring the joy of his electoral victory.

GBENGA KAKA

Alhaji Gbenga Kaka was deputy governor to Chief Olusegun Osoba between 1999 and 2003. During the 2007 general election, Kaka, from Ijebu Igbo, was the governorship candidate of the DPA, a breakaway faction of the AD. After the birth of ACN, he realign with Osoba and his former associates and got the ticket to run for the Ogun East senatorial district. He defeated his opponents hands down, and he is getting set to move to Abuja now.

HON. ADIJAT OLADIPO

A number of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adijat is one of the members who are fighting Governor Gbenga Daniel. Though she got into the House four years ago under the platform of the PDP, she quietly decamped to the ACN to re-contest to the House. She is happy with the decision now.

OSUN (LOSERS)

IYIOLA OMISORE

 SENATOR IYIOLA OMISORE

The defeat of Senator Iyiola Omisore by the ACN candidate has opened the eyes of so many political watchers in the country.

People did not think Omisore will be severely dealt with through the massive votes garnered by his opponent. He could not even doubt his loss. One interesting thing is that during the 2003 election, Omisore was in prison and he won his senate seat from the prison, this time around, he has his freedom and threw money around, and despite that, he was defeated.

OLAGUNSOYE OYINLOLA

OLAGUNSOYE OYINLOLA

The former governor of Osun State who was not allowed to complete his second term through a court judgment that removed him also contested for a senatorial seat. He was beaten flat at the polls. Oyinlola lost woefully, even at his Odo-Otin local government. Before the election, he was beating his chest here and there, saying he will get the mandate of his people to represent them at the National Assembly. But he knows better now.

ISIAKA ADELEKE

SENATOR ISIAKA ADELEKE

This former governor who is popularly called Serubawon did not believe his ears when he was told that the ACN candidate has stopped him from going back to the senate. Adeleke is still licking his wound.

ONI OF IFE

OONI OF IFE

Ordinarily, traditional rulers are not expected to meddle in politics, but in reality, most of them do, and this is the cause of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. The Ooni turned his palace to where politicians are made. He decides who gets what, and he has been enjoying bounties from many politicians.

The loss of all the PDP candidates in Osun State has become a big blow to the highly respected and influential monarch. It is now a monarchy in pains that is ruling in the ancient Ife town which is regarded as the source of the Yoruba race of south west region of Nigeria. K-a-b-i-y-e-s-i ooooooooooooooooo. Sorry for the loss, especially that of Omisore.

WINNERS

RAUF AREGBESOLA

ENGR. RAUF AREGBESOLA

Governor Aregbesola of Osun State claimed his mandate from ex-governor Oyinlola through the law court. And he used this election to tell any doubting Thomases that the ACN in Osun State is the party of the people. After making sure that ACN cleared all the National Assembly slots, he also made sure that the Osun people did not vote for President Jonathan's PDP during the presidential election.

Osun State was the only state where Jonathan lost in the south west. At the House of Assembly polls, Aregbesola cleared all the assembly seats for the ACN. Now, he can sit down to enjoy himself because he has proven to be the real grass root politician and mobilizer.

BABAJIDE OMOWORARE

This ‘Lagos boy,’ but a native of Ife, Osun State was the one that gave senator Omisore a knock out during the election. Omoworare cut his political teeth in Lagos and because the majority leader of the House of Assembly between 2003 and 2007. He contested for the senatorial seat against Omisore in 2007 and lost. So, he retreated, went to restrategise and with the ACN revolution, he swept away Omisore at the just concluded election.

PROF. SOLA ADEYEYE

He is one of the core Afenifere brain box. Prof. Adeyeye was once in the House of Representatives and was given accolade as one of the best members in the House while he was there.

Prof. has shown that he is not only an academician but also a grassroot politician. He stopped the ambition of ex-governor Oyinlola to go to the senate.

ROTIMI MAKINDE

He is a man of many parts; a well known Yoruba actor, car dealer and a politician. Rotimi Makinde has been contesting for several political offices for many years. Now, he has won a seat to the House of Representatives, though, at a very high cost. It will be recalled that before the elections, some gun men attacked his supporters and five people were killed. Among those that were murdered was Rotimi Makinde's younger brother.

KWARA (LOSERS)

SOLA SARAKI

OLUSOLA SARAKI

Oloye Olusola Saraki should finally go and rest. He should leave politics for the younger generation. What is however embarrassing is that Oloye was humbled by his own son, Governor Bukola Saraki. Oloye flew into the country from his sick bed to campaign for his daughter, Gbemi Saraki whom he wants to be the next governor. But Gbemi's elder brother, Governor Bukola would have none of it. He prefers another candidate. Oloye Saraki begged his Ilorin people not to disappoint him, reminded them of all the good things he had done for them, and request for just one favour, “please vote for my daughter as the next governor.”

Unfortunately, the majority of voters in Kwara state who are mostly young people were either toddlers or not even born when Oloye Saraki was holding sway as the most active politician in the 70s and eventually became the senate leader in 1979. so, they didn't know he was talking about. They turned there ears against him and didn't vote his daughter. It was a big blow for the old horse who have been installing governors in Kwara State since its creation.

GBEMI SARAKI

SENATOR GBEMI SARAKI

From House of Representatives, Gbemi Saraki graduated to the senate and with the support of her dad, she thought she would succeed her elder brother as the next governor of Kwara. But it was just a wishful thinking because she lost woefully at the election.

DELE BELGORE

He is the ACN candidate, and not much is known about his political antecedents. His father is the late President of the Federal High Court, Justice Mahmud Babatunde Belgore. Though Dele gave a good fight but couldn't match the war machinery of Bukola Saraki.

 WINNERS

BUKOLA SARAKI

Bukola Saraki has proven that from the boardroom, as the Managing Director of the defunct Societe General Bank of Nigeria where he left eight years ago, he has learnt enough politicking to be able to upstage his own father. Governor Bukola Saraki fought both his father and younger sister, Gbemi and he was victorious.

He has become the new godfather of Kwara politics.

ABDULFATAHI AHMED

This young man is the former finance commission of Governor Bukola Saraki, and still served in his cabinet before he became the PDP's candidate for the Kwara guber seat.

Abdulfathai Ahmed is the beneficiary of the Saraki wars and he is now dancing, singing and praising God for the victory.

KATSINA (LOSERS)

GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Before the elections, it was apparent many observers believed the Congress for Progressive Change (CFC) will take over the whole of the north. The CPC's campaign in the north was always filled to the brim and even President Jonathan and his PDP strategist were at loss on what to do to get the votes of the North. During the Presidential election, the CPC had an impressive showing in the north, but was a disaster in the southern part of the country. Analyst then predicted that the CPC will win the governorship election where it did well for its presidential candidate. The analyst were however disappointed as the CPC lost all its strong hold and won only in one state, Nasarawa. The election has shown that the PDP is still strong in the north and all the noise about Buhari and CPC is just a façade.

AMINU MASARI

The former speaker of the House of Representatives got the guber ticket of the CPC in Katsina and his victory was expected to be a sure bet. But things didn't turn the way he thought. The voters rejected him and Buhari together.

WINNER

GOVERNOR IBRAHIM SHEMA

He would have heaved a sigh of relief and be smiling after defeating the CPC candidates. Shema of the PDP will now spend another four years in office.

RIVERS (LOSERS)

CELESTINE OMEHIA

He tasted power briefly about four years ago before he was kicked out by a Supreme Court judgment that paved the way for incumbent governor, Rotimi Amaechi. Because, he felt he is well loved and has the clout, he again contested the last election under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) party. Celestine Omehia was taught the lesson in politics last week when he was dealt with seriously by his opponent. His loss will definitely keep his mouth shut for a while.

ABIYE SEKIBO

This former Minister of Transport contested for the governorship of Rivers State under the ACN party. And he performed woefully. It has shown that talk is cheap.

WINNERS

ROTIMI AMAECHI

After getting his mandate from Celestine Omehia, he consolidated his victory at the court with good works, and he has been able to defeat his two major opponents hands down.

KANO (LOSER)

IBRAHIM SHEKARAU

Governor Ibrahim Shekarau of Kano State was the Presidential candidate of the All Nigeria's Peoples Party (ANPP), and with that, it was expected that he will deliver Kano to the ANPP.

Though he didn't make any impact during the presidential poll, the result of the Kano guber election shocked many. Shekarau’s party lost in his state, interestingly to the man he kicked out eight years ago.

WINNER

RABIU MUSA KWAKWANSO

Kwakwanso was the governor of Kano State between 1999 and 2003. He was sent packing by the ANPP candidate, Ibrahim Shekarau in 2003.

Kwakwanso went to the people again and told them they made a mistake, that they should give him another chance. So, he contested against the ANPP under the PDP and he won.

OYO (LOSERS)

ADEBAYO ALAO AKALA

 The incumbent Governor of Oyo State from the PDP lost woefully to his opponent from ACN, Abiola Ajimobi with 387,132 to 420,822 despite his claim that as an incumbent he is the right person for the job.

The Ogbomoso-born politician won in Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Orire, Ogo Oluwa, Ibarapa East, but ACN won 16 LGAs against his 12 LGAs.

His bid to break record as the first governor in Oyo State who will rule for two terms failed. Those in the know alleged that after his congratulatory message to Ajimobi, he now nurtures the ambition to contest for presidency in 2015 to show his strength to his opponents.

TAOFEEK ARAPAJA

Arapaja, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, can also be rated as part of the losers in the state. His loyalty to his boss made him work against his Ibadan kinsmen, and he was given the ticket to contest as Akala's Deputy after support from the likes of PDP stakeholders forum led by the party's chairman in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, Chief Abu Ishola  and ex-governor Kolapo Ishola,  who unanimously endorsed him. He lost alongside his boss in the just concluded election.

SENATOR KAMORU ADEDIBU

The son of the proponent of 'Amala' politics, the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, Kamoru was said to be one of those his father favoured to become the next governor of Oyo State before his father's demise. He then had to seek for his continuation in office as the senator representing Oyo South Constituency, but he lost to the ACN candidate.

The former commissioner in the administration of ex-governor Bola Tinubu of Lagos State, Chief Olufemi Lanlehin of the ACN defeated Kamorudeen to clinch the seat.

It was also gathered that police arrested Senator Kamoru Adidebu and his thugs as they tried to disrupt the elections in some parts of Ibadan.

WINNERS

ABIOLA AJIMOBI

In 2007, Senator Ajimobi contested and to support Akala owning to the fact that Akala throughout his close to 6 years in office, he did not do much for Ibadan.

OLUBADAN OF IBADAN

Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade fell apart with Akala when he raised some Bale and tried to promote them to the position of Obas to rival Oba Samuel.

LATEEF AKINSOLA (TOKYO)

 Lateef Akinsola fondly referred to as Tokyo is the Chairman of the NURTW, who was nearly sent to prison by Governor Akala, who wanted to install the late Elewe Omo his alleged political thug, as the union's chairman.

After the release of Tokyo from detention, the residents of Ibadan thought Akala has forgiven him but the intention of the governor was to humiliate Tokyo.

The clashes within the union allegedly led to the murder of Elewe Omo and Tokyo obviously didn't want Akala to win the election.

RASHEED LADOJA

 The former governor of Oyo State, who came to power under the PDP in 2003 later left the party after falling out with the late Chief Lamidi Adedibu. Rasheed contested under Accord Party in the 2011 election in his bid to see to the ouster of Alao Akala from office.

His defection to Accord Party made him to be one of the financiers of the party and in the just concluded governorship election in the state, he came third behind Akala who was second. But his joy knows no bound as he is certain that his 'enemy' won't be going back to Agodi Government House. He was among the first set to congratulate Ajimobi for his victory. 

ONDO (LOSERS)

SEGUN AGAGU

Agagu, the former governor of Ondo State, who was sent packing from the seat by the court two years ago, tried to negotiate his way back to the government by contesting for a senatorial seat, but he was defeated by the Labour Party.  Agagu was alleged to have said he was going to make the governorship seat unbearable for Mimiko, but this is not possible again  as he lost out.

Olusegun Agagu, who contested under the platform of PDP, was beaten by the Labour Party candidate who happens to be a young politician in terms of experience.

WINNER

SEGUN MIMIKO

 The sitting governor of Ondo State, Mimiko became a governor after the pronouncement of the court about two years ago.

Mimiko, a former minister of Housing, contested for the 2007 governorship election under the Labour Party, but he was denied the seat by INEC then. He later claimed the seat in 2009 and he has since taken over the state for the Labour Party and as the party won all the three senatorial seats, the Federal House Reps seats and virtually all the seats in the state house of assembly.

ABIA (LOSERS)

ORJI UZOR KALU

The man who ruled Abia State for eight years from1999- 2007 later defected from the PDP and floated the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), and installed his ex-Chief of Staff, Theodore Orji as governor in 2007.

When Theodore Orji parted ways with Uzor Kalu, he defected to the PDP and Orji Kalu was left empty. Trying to gain relevance again, Orji Kalu contested for a senatorial seat but lost out woefully, while Theodore Orji won his governorship seat for a second term.

WINNERS

UCHE CHUKWUMERIJE

Senator Uche Chukwumerije has been in the senate for some time now. He initially got into the upper chamber through the PDP, but he later defected to the PPA. Now, Chukwumerije is back to the senate and he was able to defeat ex-governor Orji Uzor Kalu to get to the upper chamber.

THEODORE ORJI

Governor Theodore Orji initially got to power in 2007 through the PPA with the support of ex-governor Orji Uzor Kalu under whom he served as Chief of Staff. Theodore later left the PPA and joined the PDP with his supporters. He contested the last election and won squarely. Theodore damned his godfather and is now back in office for another four years.

EDO  (LOSERS)

TONY ANENIH

Chief Anthony Anenih was the chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the PDP; he later left the seat for ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo. He used to be in control of the state while Governor Lucky Igbinedion was in power and during the reign of Professor Osunbor in the state. But since Oshiomole of the ACN got to power three years ago, Edo State has not been the same again for the old man. He lost woefully in the last election as many of his candidates could not fly.

PATRICK OBAHIAGBON

The  Igodomigodo, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon would be missed for his grammar in the Federal House of Representatives. He has been providing comic relief in the lower chamber each time he stood up to speak in the house. But, the ACN chieftain was dropped during the primaries of his party in the state.

WINNER

ADAMS OSHIOMOLE

Comrade Adams Oshiomole got to office about three years ago after the court ruled that he won the 2007 elections under the ACN. Since getting to power, Oshiomole has transformed the lives of the people of the state through people-oriented programmes. So, it was easy for the comrade governor to convince the voters to vote for his party in the election. This, they did and the ACN won several seats in the Federal House of Reps and state house of assembly. The party won two of the three senatorial seats.

BENUE  (LOSERS)

LAWRENCE ONOJA

The retired army general lost the senatorial seat to Senator David Mark, the President of the senate. The two had convinced the voters prior to the elections, but Mark was able to sway the vote in his favour as the people have come to repose confidence in him.

TOKWA UGBE

Tokwa Ugbe was defeated as the ACN governorship candidate in the north central state and he lost woefully at the keenly contested election to Governor Gabriel Suswan.

WINNERS

DAVID MARK

The Senate president is going into the upper chamber for the fourth time. He has been going to the senate since 1999 until he was elected senate president in 2007. Mark nearly lost the seat when a re-run was ordered between him and his closest rival in the 2007 election. He was able to win the seat back and he is now going back to his seat after winning in the election under the PDP.

GEORGE AKUME

Akume, who was a governor of the state is going back into the senate having contested under the ACN. His victory was described as well- deserved by his well- wishers who had trooped out enmasse to vote for him in the election.

GABRIEL SUSWAM

Gabriel is the incumbent Governor of Benue State, and he got to the office in 2007 under the PDP. He was able to win the state convincingly in the election and he would be sworn-in on May 29, 2011 as Governor.

May 23, 2011