Ahmadu Bello , the Sardauna of Sokoto , leader of the NPC , was poised to become the Prime Minister .
Instead leader chose to become the Premier of the Northern Region , and supported leader 's 's deputy Tafawa Balewa 's candidacy for Prime Minister .
Ahmadu Bello , the Sardauna of Sokoto , leader of the NPC , was poised to become the Prime Minister , but instead he chose to become the Premier of the Northern Region , and supported his deputy Tafawa Balewa 's candidacy for Prime Minister .