By Olanrewaju Fatunmbi
An ideal of good governance begins with the selection of candidates for an election. It is the most critical starting point for a healthy democracy. If the selection process is transparent, free, fair, and credible, emerging contestants will not only be accountable to the people, but they will also be responsive to their needs. Being responsive to the needs of the populace is seeking the happiness of the greatest number of people.
On the other hand, in a system where candidates are chosen in a backroom deal by a political godfather, their primary allegiance is not to the electorate, but to the person who put them there. They are accountable to a single individual or a small clique, not the wider populace.
A transparent primary election forces a candidate to campaign and win the trust of party members and, by extension, the public. This makes them accountable to the people who voted for them. If a candidate secures the nomination through a fair and transparent process, he will be less indebted to special interests, and he is more likely to serve the public good.
In Nigeria, one of the reasons for the growing culture of impunity in governance is the manipulation of the leadership selection process and a lack of a level playing field. Almost all political parties have been criticized for a lack of internal democracy and barefaced imposition of candidates, which has become a rule rather than an exception.
If the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State is genuinely desirous of a seamless succession process, the leadership of the party must wash its hands off any form of manipulation that could trigger internal disaffection. A desperate attempt by some individuals to manoeuvre the selection process for the governorship candidate of the party has been uncovered.
It behoves the stakeholders to halt the power-play intrigues in the interest of the sustenance of peace and unity within the rank and file of the party. Experience has taught us enough lessons about anointing an unpopular candidate. We cannot afford to repeat the same mistake because Ogun State deserves nothing short of a capable successor who can consolidate the legacy of the current administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
Not crass opportunistic individuals who want power for self-aggrandizement at all costs. For continuity, we need a refined mind, a capable individual, imbued with the right leadership values, requisite knowledge, experience, and a proven track record of good performance. Someone who understands the technicalities of governance, rather than an unprepared individual who lacks a clear vision for the next level of development and economic prosperity for all and Sundry.
One of the leading contestants for the governorship race, who has a commanding height, encompassing all the right qualities to lead the state, is Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi). His name resonates across all sections of the state. His towering leadership capacity is evident in various projects he has facilitated across all sectors, including education, economy, agriculture, healthcare, infrastructure, human capital development, job creation, youth and women empowerment, among others.
Having the capacity to govern is more than academic qualifications or mere political patronage. While academic qualifications and a deep understanding of policy are very important, they are just a part of the puzzle. It’s a combination of other critical variables like experience, emotional intelligence, vision and strategic thinking, right exposure, courage, decisiveness, integrity, trust in grassroots connection, and commitment to effective service delivery.
Senator Adeola’s representation track record embodies these virtues. Leveraging his extensive legislative experience and connection with his constituents, he has acquired an in-depth understanding of the technicalities of governance. He has spent over two decades in the legislature, giving him a deep understanding of the challenges of governance at different levels.
He was a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011. During this time, he was instrumental in the enactment of the law that significantly boosted Lagos’s internal revenue, a clear demonstration of his grasp of fiscal policy.
Thereafter, he served in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2015, where he chaired the powerful House Committee on Public Accounts. As a two-term Senator, representing Lagos West from 2015 to 2023 and currently representing Ogun West since 2023, combined with his position as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations in the 10th Senate, he is currently playing a key role that gives him a deep understanding of the national budget and fiscal management.
Beyond his legislative experience, he is a chartered accountant, a qualification that sets him apart as a technocrat with a strong command of financial matters. His professional background and legislative experience, particularly in finance and public accounts, are seen by his supporters as qualities that are essential for a governor who will be responsible for managing the state’s finances and driving economic growth.
A major factor in Yayi’s rise is his position as a champion for the Ogun West senatorial district, which has never produced an elected governor.
He is seen as a unifying figure for the Yewa/Awori people, who have long felt marginalized in the state’s political landscape. His move from Lagos to contest in Ogun in 2023 was a powerful statement of his commitment to his ancestral home.
Critical stakeholders in his Senatorial District, including traditional rulers, prominent figures, and grassroots supporters, see his gubernatorial bid not just as a personal ambition but as a political movement to correct a historical injustice and ensure equity in the state.
Above his other contenders, he has a strong grassroots following, which he has cultivated through numerous empowerment programs and infrastructural projects in his senatorial district. These initiatives, which include scholarships, financial support for traders, and the facilitation of public infrastructure, have earned him immense goodwill and a reputation as a leader who is in touch with the needs of the people.
Additionally, Senator Adeola has the political machinery and war chest necessary to successfully contest the governorship race. Having served in different political capacities, he has built a formidable political machinery and has the financial resources to mount a serious and competitive campaign. His wide network and influence extend beyond his senatorial district, as he has worked to build alliances in Ogun Central and Ogun East.
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His formidable profile is based on his impressive political resume, his professional background as an accountant, his position as the leading voice for the Ogun West agenda, and his demonstrated ability to mobilize grassroots support. He is a key figure in the APC’s succession battle, and his ability to navigate the complex internal party politics will be a decisive factor in the 2027 elections.
That implies that there must be a level playing field rather than crooked manipulation of the process in favour of a self-anointing candidate. It is only a free, fair, and credible process that can guarantee internal cohesion and a genuine sense of belonging for all and Sundry.
One strong factor that is going to work in favour of Senator Adeola is the political capital he brings to bear in the Ogun State governorship race. His support base, particularly in his home senatorial district of Ogun West, is not just a collection of voters but a well-organized and deeply motivated political machine.
His candidacy is inextricably linked to the historical injustice of the Ogun West senatorial district never having produced an elected governor. This is a powerful, unifying narrative that transcends party lines and personal affiliations within the district.
By championing this cause, he has positioned himself as the standard-bearer for the aspirations of the Yewa/Awori people. This gives him a solid, emotionally charged support base that is highly important to his success.
Yayi has built a robust political structure within Ogun West, capable of mobilizing voters and delegates. This is not just a matter of having supporters but having an organized and disciplined team that can deliver votes when it matters most.
The political capital Adeola has in his home base is a major advantage. It is a potent combination of a powerful emotional narrative and a well-organized political machinery. This makes him a formidable force in the governorship race and a candidate who cannot be underestimated, as his political strength is built on a foundation of both a committed and grateful electorate.
Fatunmbi writes from Okeagbede, Imeko-Afon LGA of Ogun state
