Politics
2019 elections and the dilemma of victory By Abiodun KOMOLAFE
With the 2019 General Elections successfully put behind us, Nigerians may now access some semblance of peace. With the contenders and the pretenders having made a choice between ‘clinking glasses’ and ‘licking wounds’, I have no doubt in my mind that the sleeping dog will, at least, for now, advance some respite.
For us in Osun, the last elections conferred on us a new dawn! At least, the ruling party was seen to have taken a leap forward from the troubles and the difficulties that attended, particularly, the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state. Not only that, March 9, 2019 has radically shamed a predatory opposition and its tiny appendages of accidental practitioners and conflict merchants who had hitherto fantasized that the election that threw up Gboyega Oyetola as governor of Osun was fraught with fraud. And, as fate would have it, the opposition played with a chance by recklessly expanding our national frontlines of political and economic inclinations and it paid dearly for it. Coincidentally too, some ‘Freedom Park politicians’ and distractive noisemakers who had earlier polluted the space with “less than 50 years” as the ‘suitable’ age for Rauf Aregbesola’s successor as governor of Osun could not even wait for the cock’s crow before switching their preference to a 63-year-old contestant. At any rate, elections are now over and it’s time governments across board settled down to serious business of governance.
Beyond the pledges, slogans and the ‘dividends of democracy’ rhetoric that have not dovetailed into reality, one striking issue is the apathy of voters during the elections. In practical terms, that the voter turnout was less than 36% of the 84,004,084 registered voters in the largely peaceful exercise did not detract from governance issues. That Nigerians of voting age were reluctant to vote was a clear attestation to the deep animosity and a growing sense of frightful disconnect between the political class and the masses. It showed how eerily cadaverous the electorate’s morale and expectations have become. Apart from areas where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recorded over-voting, which was outright fraud, most of the polling areas recorded very low turnout of voters, even as quite a sizeable number of eligible voters opted to stay indoors for lack of better things to do.
Voter apathy is a product of many factors. For instance, a dose of rigging perception does more inestimable harm to the electorate’s psyche than millions of campaign jingles or slogans. When the people hold the notion that whatever they do, rigging will still take place; or that some powers-that-be, somewhere, will still influence or manipulate the outcome of their franchise, the implications cannot but be grievous. The situation even becomes complicated if a government is perceived to be fraudulent or fraudulently installed. The possibility of being disobedient to such a flawed system cannot be ruled out.
Another area of our politics that must be critically looked into is alienation. It is a fact of life that, if the people are alienated from the programmes and policies of the government, it simply means that such a government is only planning for the people, not with the people. This, of course, negates the principle of democracy and development. Chances are therefore that such electorate will feel reluctant to vote.
Legitimacy is a social concept which gives authority to power. Basically, when power is backed up with legitimacy, it becomes authority. Impliedly, if the power of a government is not actually backed-up with the power of the people, it becomes a government that is not people-representational, even, if it goes on for 50 years. A cut-off government is empty and can falter anytime, which, in itself, is dangerous. Beyond the ceaseless elegance and captivating hymns of partisan concerns, Nigerians are hungry; and are angry; and may as such, become violent whenever ‘opportunity’ for it presents itself! The systemic decay is apparent, and the concomitant erosion of political capital of the country and socially-ascribed legitimacy, which for decades, has been taken for granted, or assumed as given, is gradually receding. It will therefore amount to political suicide on the part of our political leaders to task the people’s tolerance by feigning ignorance of this ominous phenomenon!
Let us come back to Osun, a state not immune from the cancer called voter apathy. While I intend to dwell more on this sad side of our democracy in the coming days, to say that all is well with party politics in dear state is to fool oneself that voter apathy has something to do with specific instructions from different political parties. Well, one funny attribute of social action is that it has a life of its own; and once it is activated, it is difficult to be controlled. Yes! The outcome of the presidential election might have dampened the enthusiasm of the opposition who lost the election while the absence of gubernatorial contest in Osun might also have made the election less competitive, stress-, even, tension-free. Nevertheless, findings revealed a blatant expression of the people’s reaction to the perception of the non-responsiveness of their political leaders – in and out of government – to their immediate and long-term plight.
Procrastination! Empty boast! Spirit of error! Attitude of the elite! Perfect plans without perfect actions! Cruel pragmatism! And a plethora of excuses! While Nigeria’s political leadership needs self-appraisal, self-cleansing and a lot of refocusing, it is time the electorate’s expectations were matched by government’s delivery mechanisms. Politics must be inclusive, not divisive, or, non-exclusive! In a profound sense, there is always a threshold, or red line, which the modern state must never cross. In my considered view, it is not enough to call for Economic Summits. It is equally important that Political Summits are called, either by political parties or interested Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), to arrest this ugly trend before things become uglier! For a man to leave his home, hale and hearty, only to end up jumping into the lagoon is a lesson in season on how good it is to fight anticorruption war and how equally important it is to take care of the human elements.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!
*KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun, Nigeria ([email protected])
abiodun KOMOLAFE,
O20, Okenisa Street,
PO Box 153,
Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun.
Politics
APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition
*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*
The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.
The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.
According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.
It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.
“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.
The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.
“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.
The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.
The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.
“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.
The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.
“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.
In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.
The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.
“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.
The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.
“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.
*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase
Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.
Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.
Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.
From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.
This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework
#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC
Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.
Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.
Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.
He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.
The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.
He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.
Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.
His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.
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