They both became governors in 1999 when democracy was back on track in our country. They were both nationalistic, progressive, popular and ambitious. Ambition is good. It encourages one to aim for higher goals. But it becomes a problem when it blinds one to reality; to the basic facts of natural progression.
Because they were both ambitious, they both dominated the local politics within their immediate area of influence, in preparation to launching themselves unto the national limelight.
One was wiser; he was strategic; he was patient. He knew that no building lasts the test of time without a strong foundation. He knows that success is ensured first by formidable and strategic planning, then, only after then, a bit of luck.
So he started expanding his influence, not vertically, but horizontally - sideways. He started with his immediate neighbours. Moving gradually, sideways, until he conquered a whole region. He became the kingmaker of his entire region. Even with that achievement, he was never blinded.
He knew that to aspire to the highest office of the land, he needed to build bridges across the divides. As such, in 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019, with his regional dominance, he never contested. He was contented with his regional dominance and influence. He continued to support candidates from other regions and build political alliances across. Today, he has invested so much in politics, so much so that in the upcoming 2023 presidential elections, he is the man to beat.
The other one was less wiser, less strategic and less patient. He did not make any attempt to extend his influence beyound his immediate state. Yet he continue to look up; aiming higher without the necessary requirements. His only asset was his ambition winch blinds him to the basic facts of natural progression to political success.
Without strong footing, without strategic planning, without even the minimum financial resources and without the constitutionally required political spread, he, relying on HOPE, keeps on aspiring for the national office.
He tried in 2015. He tried in 2019. In both cases, he crashed like a pack of cards. In 2023, without learning lessons from previous experiences, he is going for it again. The fact is, if regional votes could not help CPC and ACN win the presidency, I do not see how a single state's votes can.
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