To be honest, no one anticipated a by-election in our constituency, Ibadan North. However, it is now God’s will that we face one. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders and members of all political parties to act with caution, guided by the fear of God.
All aspirants should be given the opportunity to campaign freely so that the most popular and capable candidate can emerge to fill the seat of our late lawmaker, may his soul rest in peace.
Regrettably, some individuals who should be guiding a peaceful process are instead exploiting the situation for personal gain. Just as a decaying tooth causes the tongue to tread carefully, we must proceed with caution. Within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ibadan North, some aspirants are already celebrating, having been generously compensated by certain party figures. These aspirants seem to forget that those promising them support have likely made similar promises to other candidates, creating a system of empty promises.
It is disheartening to hear that certain names have been listed as “preferred candidates” based on personal interests, disregarding what the constitution and electoral law mandate.
Even more concerning is the suggestion that a person who once abandoned the party, criticized it, and only returned following the death of our late lawmaker, is now being considered the best candidate for the party’s ticket. This raises serious concerns. Equally troubling is the backing of a “new money bag” with no party membership or significant contribution to the party’s growth. Where is the party’s reward system? It seems to have been abandoned by those who should be upholding it.
Additionally, promises have been made to two other individuals, allegedly backed by someone with gubernatorial ambitions for 2027. At this point, we must ask: How many tickets are being printed? How many candidates do they intend to present for the party’s nomination?
Some party members have been loyal and unwavering for years, yet their contributions are overlooked in favor of personal interests. This should serve as a lesson from the past. These same figures once took money from our late lawmaker, and the consequences of those actions are well known. It is time for the democratic process to choose the best candidate. Once that candidate emerges, they should earn the support of the party, ensuring victory. Sadly, personal gain continues to take precedence over the party’s success.
Some so-called members of the guiding committee collected as much as 10 million naira from candidates to add their name to the list. It is evident that their list lacks integrity. On what basis did they select just 5 candidates out of 20? Now, they have shown the world that others are not qualified based on their selfish, pocket-driven, and ridiculous standards. In doing so, they have made enemies for themselves.
How do they think others will perceive them? Those who have labored for the party, those who have met with them in groups and individually, and those from whom they have collected money as well?
This baseless, toothless committee, which has no legal backing from the local, state, or national levels, has now declared to the public that they are the leaders of their “Big Five.” They have also publicly displayed their illiteracy and ignorance of the law.
The chairman of the committee, well-known as a dealer, not a leader, who believes only in collecting money without regard for the party’s success at the polls, is a key figure in this mess.
I urge the recognized body of the party to disregard the outcome of this corrupted committee and follow the party constitution and electoral law.
Let us remember that those seeking personal gain may only be able to temporarily “pocket” someone, but not permanently. Time will reveal the truth.
The Electoral Act is clear on the nomination of candidates for elections. We must remind ourselves and others of the legal framework that governs the process:
Qualifications of Aspirants and Candidates:
(3) A political party shall not impose nomination qualifications, disqualification criteria, measures, or conditions on any aspirant or candidate for any election in its constitution, guidelines, or rules for the nomination of candidates, except as prescribed under sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 177, and 187 of the Constitution.
It is laughable that among the names listed as “preferred candidates” is the son of one of the party figures, as though other candidates do not have parents too. The 8 names involved in this scheme, along with the 5 candidates who were promised tickets, will soon be revealed for all to see. These are the true enemies of Ibadan APC and Ibadan North as a whole.
This is food for thought. Imposition will not help the party, nor will those simply collecting money.
Let’s continue the conversation about Ibadan North.
Micheal Adetunji
Writes
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