Aiyedatiwa And Nigerian Governors Who Started As Deputies

Aiyedatiwa’s journey to becoming governor follows a trend of other deputy governors in Nigeria who rose to the top position after their principals left office

Victory in Ondo State
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Sunday that Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, won the Ondo State gubernatorial election.

The election took place on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Aiyedatiwa secured his first full term as governor with a decisive win across all 18 local government areas.

Aiyedatiwa’s Rise to Power
Aiyedatiwa became the governor in 2023 after the death of his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, whom he had served as deputy. His victory in this election further solidifies his position as a prominent leader in the state.

Notable Deputy Governors Who Became Governors
Aiyedatiwa’s journey to becoming governor follows a trend of other deputy governors in Nigeria who rose to the top position after their principals left office. Here are some notable examples:

Goodluck Jonathan (Bayelsa State)
Goodluck Jonathan became Bayelsa State governor in December 2005 after the impeachment of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha over corruption charges. Jonathan later advanced to become Nigeria’s Vice President and subsequently the President.

Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna State)
In May 2010, Patrick Yakowa became the governor of Kaduna State when Namadi Sambo was appointed Vice President. He was the first Christian to hold this position in the state.

Virginia Etiaba (Anambra State)
Virginia Etiaba made history in November 2006 by becoming Nigeria’s first female governor after the impeachment of Governor Peter Obi. Her time as governor was brief, as Obi’s impeachment was reversed three months later.

Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo State)
Adebayo Alao-Akala assumed the role of governor in January 2006 following the impeachment of Rashidi Ladoja. Though Ladoja was reinstated later that year, Alao-Akala won the gubernatorial election in 2007.

Bala James Ngilari (Adamawa State)
In October 2014, Bala James Ngilari became the governor of Adamawa State after the impeachment of Murtala Nyako. He served as governor until the term ended in May 2015.

Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe State)
Ibrahim Gaidam took office as Yobe State governor in January 2009 following the death of Governor Mamman Ali. He won subsequent elections in 2011 and 2015.

Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State)
Abdullahi Ganduje succeeded Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as Kano State governor in 2015 after serving as his deputy from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015. Ganduje was re-elected in 2019.

Umar Namadi (Jigawa State)
In 2023, Umar Namadi became the governor of Jigawa State, succeeding Badaru Abubakar. Namadi had previously served as deputy governor and contested on the APC platform.

David Umahi (Ebonyi State)
David Umahi was deputy governor before being elected as the governor of Ebonyi State in 2015 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Mahmud Shinkafi (Zamfara State)
Mahmud Shinkafi succeeded Governor Yerima Sani in 2007 after eight years as deputy. However, his switch to the PDP in 2008 led to a loss in the 2011 election.

Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna State)
Mukhtar Yero took over as governor of Kaduna State in 2012 after Patrick Yakowa’s death. He remained in office until 2015.

Conclusion
Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory in Ondo State’s gubernatorial election adds him to the list of former deputy governors who have successfully transitioned to governor, continuing a notable political trend in Nigeria.

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG