‘Islamic spirit’ reveals Buhari’s successor in 2023

By Toby Prince

Some Islamic clerics have reportedly predicted that a former governor of Zamfara State, Ahmad Yerima, will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

Despite almost six months into his second-term, the intrigue, permutations and scheming have begun for the country’s most-coveted political position.

Surprisingly, though, Yerima, a two-term ex-governor and Senator for a dozen years has thrown his hat into the ring – allegedly backed by some mystical ‘spiritual forces’.

In a lengthy interview aired on Pride FM, Gusau on November 13, the former governor chronicled his achievements as a civil servant, politician and Shariah promoter.

The audio of the interview was sent to DAILY NIGERIAN on Monday, and this newspaper had verified from the producers of the programme and Mr Yerima’s associates that the clip was original.

In the no-holds-barred piece, Mr Yerima said he would not run for any political office at the state level again, saying his only political interest is to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

“I am done with contest at state level, but will hopefully contest for president. Already some political elite and some Mallams are working to bring the idea into fruition.

“Even last night, one of the Mallams called me and swore that I appeared in his dreams as a president, chauffeur-driven in a black presidential car.

“Then I told the Mallam a related story my secondary school friend who was a former commissioner during Mahmuda Shinkafi administration told me,” the former governor told his interviewer.

Quoting the friend, Mr Yerima said: “A chalky white aboriginal Arab man suddenly appeared near Harem, greeted my friend and declared ‘you must be from Zamfara’.

“He then asked ‘where is our father Senator Ahmad Sani Yeriman Bakura? And my friend responded that I was fine.

“He asked my friend to extend his high regards to me, and then told them that God willing, I will rule Nigeria, except if I died.

“The man then bade them goodbye and as they turned to leave the point, my friend’s wife suggested that they should ask for his name so it could be easy to relate the message.

“To their utmost surprise, the man disappeared, and was nowhere to be found.

“When my friend told one of his Mallams [marabouts] about the incident, the Mallam declared it was a revelation conveyed by God [through the mystery Arab man].”