The office of the Vice President of Nigeria is an integral part of the country's political landscape, second in command to the President. While the President often takes the limelight, the Vice Presidents have played crucial roles in shaping Nigeria's history and development. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into the stories and contributions of the individuals who have held this esteemed position since Nigeria's independence.
Babafemi Ogundipe, born on September 6, 1924, to Yoruba parents from Ago-Iwoye in present-day Ogun State, played a significant role in Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi's 1966 military government in Nigeria, serving as the unofficial Vice President. His military career was illustrious, starting when he enlisted in the Royal West African Frontier Force in 1941 and later serving in Burma from 1942 to 1945. Ogundipe steadily climbed the ranks, reaching the rank of Brigadier in May 1964.
Vice Admiral Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. Wey was a military officer who played a key role in the Nigerian government during this period. He was a close associate of General Yakubu Gowon, who was the Head of State of Nigeria at the time. Wey was known for his loyalty and commitment to the government, and he served in various capacities before becoming Vice President. His tenure as Vice President coincided with a period of political and social upheaval in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Civil War. Wey's contributions to the government during this time were significant, and he played a role in shaping the country's political landscape.
Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1975 to 1976 under the military government of General Murtala Mohammed. Obasanjo was appointed as vice president after the military coup that brought Murtala Mohammed to power. He later became the President of Nigeria after Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in 1976. Obasanjo served as President from 1976 to 1979 before handing over power to a civilian government.
Yar'Adua's tenure as Vice President during the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari was a significant chapter in Nigeria's political history. Yar'Adua, a respected military leader and politician, brought a wealth of experience and influence to the office.
Yar'Adua's appointment as Vice President was seen as a strategic move to bridge the gap between the civilian government and the military, which had dominated Nigerian politics for much of the country's post-independence era. As Vice President, Yar'Adua played a crucial role in shaping the Shagari administration's policies and initiatives, particularly in the areas of national security and economic development.
Served as the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters in Nigeria during the military regime of Major General Muhammadu Buhari from 1983 to 1985. Idiagbon was known for his strict discipline, integrity, and no-nonsense approach to governance, which earned him the nickname "Baba Go Slow."
As vice president of Nigeria, he held significant power and influence as the Chief of Staff, effectively serving as the de facto Vice President to Major General Buhari. The duo implemented a campaign against indiscipline, corruption, and mismanagement, known as the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), which aimed to restore order and discipline in Nigerian society.
Idiagbon's leadership style was characterized by his no-nonsense approach to governance, his emphasis on accountability and transparency, and his commitment to upholding moral values and ethical standards. Under his leadership, the military government cracked down on corruption, restored law and order, and implemented strict measures to enforce discipline and accountability.
Dr. Alex Ekwueme was Nigeria's Vice President from 1979 to 1983, during the Second Republic under President Shehu Shagari. Ekwueme was a respected statesman and architect, known for his commitment to social justice and the development of Nigeria's federal system.
Ebitu Ukiwe's tenure as Vice President was during the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida from 1985 to 1986. Ukiwe's time in office was marked by his efforts to streamline the military government's policies and address the country's economic challenges.
Augustus Aikhomu served as Vice President under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida from 1986 to 1993. Aikhomu played a crucial role in the implementation of Babangida's economic and political reforms, including the controversial transition to democracy program.
General Oladipupo Diya was the Vice President during the brief civilian administration of Chief Ernest Shonekan in 1993, and later served under the military regime of General Sani Abacha until 1998. Diya's tenure was marked by political instability and the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
Vice Admiral Michael Akhigbe served as the Vice President of Nigeria from 1998 to 1999 under President Abdusalami Abubakar. He took office after the death of Vice President Augustus Aikhomu and served in the position until the return to civilian rule in 1999. Akhigbe was a respected military officer who played a key role in the transition to democracy in Nigeria. He passed away in 2013.
Atiku Abubakar, a prominent and influential figure in Nigerian politics, served as Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Abubakar's tenure was characterized by a complex relationship with Obasanjo, as well as his own presidential ambitions.
Namadi Sambo assumed the role of Vice President in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua, serving under President Goodluck Jonathan until 2015. Sambo's tenure was marked by his efforts to strengthen the relationship between the federal and state governments.
The Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has served since 2015 under President Muhammadu Buhari. Osinbajo, a respected legal scholar and pastor, has played a crucial role in the Buhari administration's efforts to combat corruption and drive economic reforms.
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan's rise to the Vice Presidency was marked by an unexpected turn of events. He initially served as the Governor of Bayelsa State before being selected as the running mate of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua in the 2007 general elections.
Jonathan's tenure as Vice President was characterized by his low-key and unassuming approach, contrasting with the political dynamics that would soon unfold. In 2010, after the sudden death of President Yar'Adua, Jonathan was sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a position he would go on to hold until 2015.
Jonathan's tenure as Vice President laid the foundation for his subsequent presidency, during which he would face numerous challenges, including the Boko Haram insurgency, the struggle for resource control in the Niger Delta, and the growing demands for political and economic reforms. Despite these challenges, Jonathan's legacy as Vice President and President is one marked by his efforts to promote stability, unity, and the democratic process in Nigeria.
Shettima, the current Governor of Borno State, is expected to assume the role of Vice President in 2023, following the successful election of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria. Shettima's tenure is anticipated to focus on addressing the security challenges in the North-East region and driving the country's economic diversification efforts.