A persistent fear in Nigerian politics is the emergence of a single-party system or a sole presidential candidate. Despite recurring anxieties, this outcome has never materialized. While recent party defections might suggest an invincible ruling party, Nigeria’s political history is defined by unexpected twists. Shattered dreams and surprise elements are inherent to our national life.

The surprise element is unavoidable. Unexpected events are inescapable part of life and strategy. I will cite three examples in relation to three former leaders—Alhaji Shehu Shagari GCFR (25 February 1925 – 28 December 2018), General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida GCFR (84) and General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998). After the July 7, 1979 elections during which, Alhaji Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari was declared Presidential winner in the polls, the NPN (National Party of Nigeria) had 36 Senate seats, the UPN (Unity Party of Nigeria) had 28, the NPP (Nigerian People’s Party) had 16 seats, the GNPP (Great Nigerian People’s Party) had 8 while the PRP (People’s Redemption Party) had 7. 

Those elected on the platform of NPN then were Alhaji A.D. Rufai, Alhaji Ibrahim Dimis, Alhaji Ibrahim Jalo Waziri, Alhaji Abdulkadir Yelwaji Saleh, Alhaji Uba Ahmed, Chief D.D. Dafinone, Chief Andrew Abogede, Chief J.S. Tarka, Mr. Suemo Chia, Mr. B. Ameh Ebute, Colonel Ahmadu Ali, Alhaji Girigiri Lawan, Mr. Victor Akan, Mr. Donald Etiebet, Dr. Joseph Wayas, Mr. Iliya Audu, Alhaji Abba Ali, Mr. Jacob Madawaki, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, Alhaji Isa Abonyi Obaro, Mr. Aliyu Mohamadu Gani, Dr. Abubakar Olusola Saraki, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji, Alhaji Jibrin Salihu, Alhaji Ibrahim Kolo, Alhaji Abdullahi Mangu, Colonel Garba Dada Paiko, Dr. O. Eberewariye, Mr. C.N. Nunieh, Mr. Amatari Zuofa, Mr. Atto Bugundu, Mr. Haruna Muza, Alhaji Garuba Gada, Alhaji Hassan Zuru and Alhaji Garba Kware.

Under the United Party of Nigeria, those elected were Chief John Umolu, Chief Emmanuel O. Akpata, Justice Franklin O. Atake, Mr. Gayus Gilama, Mr. Justus Olu Olabode, Alhaji Sikiru Shitta-Bey, Dr. Femi Ayantuga, Alhaji Mudasiru A.O. Abiru, Mr. Abayomi Durosinmi, Mr. Adeyiga Ajayi, Mr. Ladega Daniel Adetola, Mr. Oyero Kunle, Mr. S.O. Sogbein, Chief Jonathan Akinremi Olawale Odebiyi, Chief Abraham Aderibigbe Adesanya, Chief Emmanuel Kayode Ogunleye, Mr. Michael Onukun, Professor David O. Oke, Mr. Ayo Fasanmi, Professor Banj Akintoye, Chief Ayoola Adeleke, Dr. Christopher Ilori, Mr. Ademola Adegoke, Dr. Christopher Adeoye and Mr. Olalere Adesina. 

On a personal note, one of them, Chief Ayoola Adeleke from Ede was the father of the present Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke. He was the Vice Chairman of the then Senate Committee on Labour. I will not forget his regular supply of bitter kola to me during his senate years. 

Those elected for the NPP were Prince Onyeabo Obi, Dr. Offia Nwali, Chief B. C. Okwu, Chief N. Nathaniel Anah, Mr. Isaiah N. Ani, Mr. Bardi Joe, Mr. Emeka P. Echeruo, Dr. Elijah E. Emezie, Dr. Jaja Nwachukwu, Chief Tony Anyanwu, Mr. Simeon Ojukwu, Mr. Garba Matta, Mr. John Wash Pam, Mr. George Hookwap, Mr. Francis Ella and Dr. Obi Wali.

The elected Senators for the GNPP were Alhaji Idrisa Kadi, Mr. Bukar Sanda, Mr. Jafaru Manga, Mr. Umaru Lawan Bama, Mr. George Daniel, Prince Joseph Ansa, Pastor Luka Zanyazing, Mr. Bitrus B. Kajal and Alhaji Mahmud Waziri while the PRP Senators were Alhaji Ibrahim Barau, Alhaji Adamu Gaya, Alhaji Ahmed Zakari, Alhaji Hamisu Musa, Alhaji Usman A. Dambata and Alhaji Sabo B. Zuwo.  In the gubernatorial election, the following were elected on the platform of NPN. They were Alhaji Tatari Ali (Bauchi), Alhaji Shehu Kangiwa (Sokoto), Chief Melford Okilo (Rivers), Anwal Ibrahim (Niger), Alhaji Adamu Attah (Kwara), Dr. Clement Isong (Cross River) and Mr. Aper Aku (Benue). 

As for the UPN, the following were elected as governors. Chief Bisi Onabanjo (Ogun), Chief Bola Ige (Oyo), Chief Ambrose Alli (Bendel), Chief Adekunle Ajasin (Ondo) and Alhaji Lateef Jakande (Lagos). As for the NPP, there were three governors, namely, Chief Jim Nwobodo (Anambra), Chief Solomon Lar (Plateau) and Chief Sam Mbakwe (Imo). As for GNPP, they had two governors, Alhaji Abubakar Barde (Gongola) and Mohammed Goni (Borno) and the PRP had two, namely, Alhaji Balarabe Musa (Kaduna) and Abubakar Rimi (Kano). In the House of Representatives, NPN had 168 seats, UPN had 111 seats, NPP had 79 seats, PRP had 47 while GNPP had 44 seats. Among those elected in 1979 was Alhaji Sule Lamido (77) PRP, who represented Barnin Kudu in the then Kano state. On July 30, 1993, as National Secretary of SDP, he was one of those who signed the tripartite Committee document that created the Interim National Government.