After the February 1, 2019 dismissal of Hassoumi Massaoudou, Minister of Finance, replaced at short notice by Mamadou Diop, former vice-governor of the BCEAO, the way emerges for the powerful Mohamed Bazoum, likely candidate but still no declared for the presidential elections of 2021.
But, it is clear, the Minister of Public Security, Decentralization and Customary and Religious Affairs theoretically no longer has obstacles in his path.
This son of the great desert, a member of the Arab tribe of Ouled Slimane, straddling southern Libya, northern Chad and northeastern Niger, could compensate for his weak electoral base if he gets active support from President Issoufou.
The question is not yet decided within the party. Should we twist President Issoufou’s arm?
It is for having pronounced too quickly that the former ex-financier of the country, always Secretary General of the Nigerian Party for Democracy and Socialism (PNDS), has been sanctioned.
More weighted, Mohamed Bazoum, he, president of the PNDS, made no announcement in this direction. Using the strategy, the securocrate would be supported by a presidium of 13 influential party members.
If he played an active role in the disgrace of his opponent, thanked while on a mission to Maradi, Bazoum knows better than anyone, no one is a candidate without the consent of Muhammadu Issoufou.
While awaiting some enlightening clarifications, the president of the PNDS becomes de facto the putative dolphin of the president Issoufou.
Will the latter regain the trust of the civil society that has beaten the tarmac several times against the fiscal measures contained in the finance laws of 2018 and 2010, defended by the former finance minister? Wait and see.
