"Things are really getting intense," the former governor said as he ushered Chief Simon Ikpa into his private office within his Abuja mansion. "Your boys have really turned the people against the governor. How is your son preparing? The primaries will be coming up soon and I don't think we can muscle the party ticket from him."
Nestled within the exclusive high-brow area of Abuja, the former governor's mansion stands as a beacon of opulence and architectural grandeur. Its imposing facade, adorned with intricate details, reflects a blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance.
Surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens, the mansion boasts a grand entrance, where a sweeping driveway leads to an impressive porte-cochère. Towering pillars flank the entrance, exuding an air of regality that sets the tone for what lies within.
The exterior facade showcases a harmonious mix of contemporary design and classical elements, with large windows allowing natural light to cascade into the expansive living spaces. The meticulously manicured grounds feature lush lawns, vibrant flowerbeds, and perhaps even a cascading fountain, adding a touch of serenity to the extravagant setting.
Stepping through the grand double doors, one is greeted by a foyer that echoes with the footsteps of luxury. The interior is adorned with high-end finishes, from gleaming marble floors to ornate chandeliers that cast a warm glow over the meticulously curated furnishings.
The mansion unfolds into various wings, each dedicated to specific functions—a spacious living room for grand gatherings, a formal dining area adorned with exquisite artwork, and private suites that offer panoramic views of the surrounding affluent neighborhood.
The heart of the mansion houses a state-of-the-art kitchen, equipped with the latest culinary amenities.
There was also a dedicated entertainment wing featuring a home theater, a game room, or even a private library.
The outdoor spaces are designed for both relaxation and entertainment, with a sprawling terrace offering a panoramic vista of the city. A lavish swimming pool, complemented by poolside lounges, completes the sense of luxurious living.
To those who have visited it, the former governor's Abuja mansion was as a testament to the allegations of corruption that trails him and made him a constant guest of the country's anti-corruption agency.
"My thoughts exactly," Chief Ikpa replied taking a seat opposite the former governor in the well furnished sitting room. "I was thinking of using another party, the way you used your son-in-law during the last election."
"I was just thinking in that line," the former governor agreed.
The room exudes a harmonious blend of comfort and sophistication. The sofas, upholstered in rich, earthy tones, inviting visitors to sink in and relax. Accentuated with carefully selected throw pillows, they provide both style and coziness. A coffee table, its glossy surface reflecting the warm lighting, sits in the center, adorned with a tasteful arrangement of books and a decorative centerpiece.
Underfoot, a plush rug with intricate patterns tied the seating area together, offering a soft foundation. Ambient lighting emanates from strategically placed floor and table lamps, casting a warm glow that complements the natural light filtering through well-draped curtains.
The walls showcase an array of carefully curated art pieces, adding a touch of personality and visual interest. Decorative accents such as vases, sculptures, or unique artifacts adorn shelves and surfaces, contributing to the overall aesthetic.
A servant came to take their orders and the former governor quickly waved him away.
"We'll call you when you need you," he said.
The servant, a silent figure accustomed to discreetly entering and exiting rooms, executed a swift withdrawal, leaving the former governor and Chief Ikpa alone in the room. Their discussions, shrouded in an air of confidentiality, bore the weight of a shared understanding; whatever was spoken here was to remain confined within the walls of that space. The former governor, aware of the sensitivity of their discourse, adopted an air of caution that transcended ordinary political prudence.
Recognizing the potential risks associated with their exchanges, the former governor took extraordinary measures to safeguard the privacy of their discussions.
Concerned that even the security apparatus entrusted to protect him might inadvertently become conduits of information to external sources, he decided to hire a private security firm.
The firm was tasked with conducting regular sweeps for listening devices within the confines of his opulent mansion, where the walls seemed to hold the echoes of clandestine conversations.
The choice to bypass the official protection services, which comprised of DSS agents and police guards, spoke volumes about the depth of the former governor's mistrust.
It hinted at a belief that those officially designated to shield him might harbor allegiances or loyalties that could compromise the secrecy of his activities.
The fear lingered that every whispered word, every nuanced exchange, might find its way to the ears of their superiors, unraveling the carefully woven threads of political strategy and personal maneuvering.
"What party do you have in mind?" he asked Chief Ikpa.
"There's practically three parties in existence in the state at the moment," Chief Ikpa said. "The former senator is very stubborn and won't make it easy getting the ticket for the workers party but with the former Speaker deciding to step away from the contest, I think we have found the party to come from."
"Again my thoughts exactly," the former governor agreed.
The prospect of Chief Ikpa's son ascending to the position of the state governor introduces a strategic element to his motivations. The potential benefits extend beyond mere familial pride, delving into the realm of practicality. The former governor understands that having Chief Ikpa's son in power could serve as a shield against scrutiny from anti-corruption agencies.
By ensuring a familial ally occupies the position of governor of the state, the former governor sought to safeguard his own interests.
The implicit understanding being that the incoming governor would be more inclined to protect the him and everything he did while in office, thereby providing a layer of insulation against investigations and inquiries that anti-corruption agencies had initiated against him.
The current governor has not only seized all the buildings and landed property acquired by himself and Chief Ikpa within the state but has also implemented a strategic move that practically forced him into exile in Abuja.
The governor's multifaceted victimization extended beyond tangible assets, encompassing Chief Ikpa's political aspirations, as the governor caused him to lose his plan to return to the Senate.
Chief Ikpa faced yet another blow following the denial of a federal position he had invested considerable effort and resources into obtaining.
The governor's actions revealed a calculated approach, aiming not only to strip Chief Ikpa of material wealth but also to undermine his political standing and ambitions on a broader scale.
The impact of being denied a federal position went beyond personal setbacks for Chief Ikpa; it had severe repercussions on his political influence and future endeavors.
This development exposed the governor's motives, the intricate power dynamics at play, and the overall political climate in the state.
"At the moment," Ikpa said. "The governor is getting the worst rating ever given to a governor of the state. Businesses are closing down by the day, the people are suffering sufficiently enough for our plan. They are turning again him. Despite the people's hatred for you, they hate him even more now and at some quarters, you're now regarded as a saint.
"The death toll especially from his zone is very high. Once we turn his own zone where he should get block votes against him, we can sway the other zones to support us and kick him out of office."
"Yes," the former governor said. "Your son comes in like a knight in shining armor, cash into the hatred occasioned by the insecurity in the state and we'll get the people on our side."
"Of course both of us will disassociate ourselves from my son's ambition," Chief Ikpa said. "We must be seen as being loyal to the party and that way, work against the governor from within."
"You're right," the former governor agreed.
"I'm working on another angle," Chief Ikpa said. "A new twist. This could get a lot messier but it is guaranteed to turn the people against him once it succeeds."
"What is this angle?"
"I'll brief you once I've gotten all the information I need to get it to work," Chief Ikpa replied.
"I trust you to know what best to do," the former governor said. "Let's get something to eat, where is this boy?"
The former governor pushed a button on the intercom and a few moments later, the servant entered the room.
"What would you care to have?" he asked his guest.