Nigerian State Governors: The 2007–2011 Term
In the Nigerian political system, state governors are typically elected to a four-year term during national elections. These executives serve as the primary administrative heads of their respective states, overseeing regional governance and implementation of policy. While most governors serve their full terms, the tenure of an officeholder can be interrupted by events such as death, impeachment, or the annulment of an election by the judiciary.
The 2007–2011 term was a particularly dynamic period in Nigerian politics, characterized by several legal challenges and shifts in leadership. While the People's Democratic Party (PDP) held a dominant position, other parties such as the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Action Congress (AC) also held significant power across various states.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Standard Tenure: Governors are normally elected for four-year terms.
- Dominant Party: The PDP held the majority of governorships during this period.
- Legal Volatility: Multiple elections were annulled, leading to the installation of new governors mid-term.
- Succession: Vacancies caused by death or appointment to higher office (such as the Vice Presidency) were filled by deputy governors.
Detailed Overview of State Leadership (2007–2011)
The administration of Nigeria's states during this era saw a mix of first-term governors and those seeking second-term mandates. However, the period was marked by significant judicial interventions. For instance, in Edo State, Oserheimen Osunbor's election was annulled on March 20, 2008, leading to Adams Aliyu Oshiomle being declared the winner of the original April 2007 election.
Similarly, in Ekiti State, Olusegun Oni's tenure ended on October 15, 2010, when Kayode Fayemi was declared the winner of a 2009 rerun election. These instances highlight the role of the courts in validating the democratic process during this specific term.
Leadership Transitions and Vacancies
Not all transitions were the result of legal battles. In Kaduna State, Namadi Sambo vacated the governorship on May 19, 2010, after being appointed Vice President of Nigeria. He was succeeded by Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, the former deputy governor. In Yobe State, the death of Governor Mamman Bello Ali on January 27, 2009, led to the swearing-in of Deputy Governor Ibrahim Gaidam.
Some governors also shifted political allegiances during their tenure. In Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim was elected on the PPA platform before switching to the PDP. Similarly, Mahmud Shinkafi in Zamfara State moved from the ANPP to the PDP.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Summary of Governors by State
The following table provides a comprehensive list of the governors who held office during the 2007–2011 term, including their political affiliations and election dates.
| State | Governor | Party | Date Elected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abia | Theodore Orji | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Adamawa | Murtala Nyako | PDP | April 2007 | Reelected April 29, 2008 after nullification |
| Akwa Ibom | Godswill Akpabio | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Anambra | Peter Obi | APGA | April 2007 | Reelected February 6, 2010 |
| Bauchi | Isa Yuguda | ANPP | April 2007 | First term |
| Bayelsa | Timipre Sylva | PDP | April 2007 | Reelected May 24, 2008 after nullification |
| Benue | Gabriel Suswam | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Borno | Ali Modu Sheriff | ANPP | April 2007 | Second term |
| Cross River | Liyel Imoke | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Delta | Emmanuel Uduaghan | PDP | April 2007 | Reelected January 6, 2011 after annulment |
| Ebonyi | Martin Elechi | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Edo | Oserheimen Osunbor / Adams Aliyu Oshiomle | PDP / AC | 2007 / 2008 | Oshiomle declared winner March 20, 2008 |
| Ekiti | Olusegun Oni / Kayode Fayemi | PDP / AC | 2007 / 2010 | Fayemi declared winner October 15, 2010 |
| Enugu | Sullivan Chime | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Gombe | Mohammed Danjuma Goje | PDP | April 2007 | Second term |
| Imo | Ikedi Ohakim | PDP | April 2007 | Switched from PPA to PDP |
| Jigawa | Sule Lamido | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Kaduna | Namadi Sambo / Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa | PDP | 2007 / 2010 | Yakowa appointed May 20, 2010 |
| Kano | Ibrahim Shekarau | ANPP | April 2007 | Second term |
| Katsina | Ibrahim Shema | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Kebbi | Usman Saidu Nasamu Dakingari | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Kogi | Ibrahim Idris | PDP | April 2007 | Second term |
| Kwara | Bukola Saraki | PDP | April 2007 | Second term |
| Lagos | Babatunde Fashola | AC | April 2007 | First term |
| Nasarawa | Aliyu Doma | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Niger | Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Ogun | Gbenga Daniel | PDP | April 2007 | Second term |
| Ondo | Olusegun Agagu / Olusegun Mimiko | PDP / LP | 2007 / 2009 | Mimiko declared winner February 23, 2009 |
| Osun | Olagunsoye Oyinlola / Rauf Aregbesola | PDP / AC | 2007 / 2010 | Aregbesola declared winner November 26, 2010 |
| Oyo | Christopher Alao-Akala | PDP | April 2007 | Replaced Rasheed Ladoja in 2006 |
| Plateau | Jonah David Jang | PDP | April 2007 | First term as elected governor |
| Rivers | Celestine Omehia / Rotimi Amaechi | PDP | 2007 / 2007 | Amaechi declared governor October 2007 |
| Sokoto | Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Taraba | Danbaba Suntai | PDP | April 2007 | First term |
| Yobe | Mamman Bello Ali / Ibrahim Gaidam | ANPP | 2007 / 2009 | Gaidam sworn in January 27, 2009 |
| Zamfara | Mahmud Shinkafi | PDP | April 2007 | Switched from ANPP to PDP |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a standard term for a Nigerian state governor?
Nigerian state governors are normally elected for a four-year term during the national elections.
What happens if a governor's election is annulled?
If an election is annulled, the court may declare another candidate as the winner of the original election or order a rerun, leading to a change in leadership mid-term.
Who takes over if a governor dies in office?
In the event of a governor's death, the deputy governor is typically sworn in to complete the term, as seen in Yobe State in 2009.
Which political party was most prominent during the 2007–2011 term?
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) was the most prominent party, holding the majority of governorships across the states.
Can a governor change their political party while in office?
Yes, some governors during this term switched parties, such as Ikedi Ohakim in Imo State and Mahmud Shinkafi in Zamfara State.