From Jonathan To Aiyedatiwa: List Of Deputy Governors Who Became Governors After Their Principals

From Jonathan To Aiyedatiwa: List Of Deputy Governors Who Became Governors After Their PrincipalsThe Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, as the winner of the Ondo State gubernatorial election held on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor, secured a landslide victory, triumphing in all 18 local government areas of the state. This victory marks the beginning of his first full term as governor, solidifying his position as one of the prominent deputy governors to successfully transition to the top office.

Aiyedatiwa had initially assumed office in 2023 after the passing of his principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, under whom he served as deputy governor. His election victory further cements his place among other notable deputy governors who have ascended to the governorship in Nigeria’s political history.

Here’s a closer look at other prominent deputy governors who transitioned to governorship across Nigeria:

Goodluck Jonathan (Bayelsa State)

Goodluck Jonathan became governor of Bayelsa State in December 2005 after the impeachment of Governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha over corruption charges. Jonathan later went on to become Nigeria’s Vice President and eventually President.

Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna State)

Patrick Yakowa was sworn in as Kaduna State governor on May 20, 2010, following Namadi Sambo’s elevation to Vice President. Yakowa made history as the first Christian governor of the state.

Virginia Etiaba (Anambra State)

Virginia Etiaba became Nigeria’s first female governor in November 2006 after the impeachment of Peter Obi. Her tenure was short-lived, as Obi’s impeachment was overturned just three months later.

Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo State)

Adebayo Alao-Akala assumed office as governor of Oyo State in January 2006 following the impeachment of Rashidi Ladoja. Although Ladoja was reinstated later that year, Alao-Akala went on to win the 2007 gubernatorial election.

Bala James Ngilari (Adamawa State)

Bala James Ngilari became governor of Adamawa State in October 2014 after the impeachment of Murtala Nyako. He served out the remainder of Nyako’s term until May 2015.

Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe State)

Ibrahim Gaidam became governor of Yobe State in January 2009 after the death of Governor Mamman Ali. He later won consecutive elections in 2011 and 2015.

Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano State)

Abdullahi Ganduje succeeded Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as governor of Kano State in 2015 after serving as Kwankwaso’s deputy twice, from 1999-2003 and 2011-2015. Ganduje was re-elected in 2019.

Umar Namadi (Jigawa State)

Umar Namadi became the governor of Jigawa State in 2023, succeeding Badaru Abubakar after contesting on the APC platform.

David Umahi (Ebonyi State)

David Umahi served as deputy governor of Ebonyi State before becoming governor in 2015 under the PDP platform.

Mahmud Shinkafi (Zamfara State)

Mahmud Shinkafi succeeded his principal, Yerima Sani, as Zamfara State governor in 2007 after serving as deputy governor for eight years. However, his defection to the PDP in 2008 led to his failure to secure re-election in 2011.

Mukhtar Yero (Kaduna State)

Mukhtar Yero became governor of Kaduna State in 2012 following the death of Patrick Yakowa. He served until 2015.

Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)

Aiyedatiwa first assumed office as governor of Ondo State in 2023 after the death of Rotimi Akeredolu. His decisive victory in the 2024 election, defeating the PDP’s Agboola Ajayi and 15 other candidates, marks the beginning of a promising new chapter in his political journey.

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