By Olaniyi Ajibola
As another election cycle approaches against 2027, political activities have begun with expected momentum in Ogun State, the leading political conscious landscape in Nigeria, parading juggernauts of diverse strength and stature amid sophisticated electorate.
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is leaving no stone unturned in the quest for party cohesion and unity for greater performance in the forthcoming polls despite the fact that opposition elements in the state are in perpetual state of inertia in the face of sterling performance of Dapo Abiodun -led administration in the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, being the leader of the party is aggressively taking the bull by the horns by frontally addressing every issue revolving around contestation in the party with democratic instrument of extensive consultation in the most strategic manner ever experienced in the state.
The Governor with his satisfactory knowledge about election and internal party democracy clearly knows that there is need for proper communication with various interests towards reaching consensus as well as mechanism for adequate and appropriate compensation to sustain loyalty and unity.
Of course, the Governor by his nature and style of leadership priorities effective communication and consultation in every decision -making process, with the aim of giving sense of belongings to everyone irrespective of status, especially when it comes to political interests and ambitions.
There is no doubt that inclusion of party members in decision-making, policy formulation, and leadership selection with utmost transparency and accountability have been the guiding principles of the present administration in Ogun State.
The administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun has convincingly promotes democratic values within the governing party thereby eradicating autocracy, intimidation and structural inequality of the past by increasing member engagement and fostering fairer candidate selection.
Indeed, the strategic meeting the Governor held with House of Representatives and House of Assembly aspirants, alongside party leaders from the state’s 20 local government areas in Abeokuta on Tuesday implicitly gives credence to the above submission and speaks volume of the democratic credentials of the helmsman.
Governor Abiodun, in his usual charismatic manner appealed to all the aspirants on the platform of APC in Ogun State to respect local government zoning arrangements and embrace consensus-building as the party prepares for forthcoming elections.
He hinged his appeal on the logical consideration for united front and internal harmony as a way of sustaining the gains of past years, which have placed the ruling party far ahead of any other political parties across the state.
In his address, the Governor stressed that while many party members are qualified to contest, only one candidate can emerge for each position. He urged aspirants to prioritise party unity through dialogue and compromise rather than engage in divisive contests.
According to him, zoning arrangements across local governments would serve as a guiding framework to promote fairness, equity, and inclusion within the party, as he added that grassroots leaders are best positioned to assess aspirants and recommend suitable candidates.
Governor Abiodun reiterated his political philosophy at the event, saying ”, I am not a dictator and I have no intention of imposing candidates, decisions would be reached through consultations with stakeholders at the local level”.
What a strong assurance from a thought leader! The Governor by this assurance has once again instilled the rare democratic values and new political culture in members of the party and tactically doused building tensions and anxiety within the party.
Drawing from his rich experience about dire consequences of party acrimony and internal wranglings , Abiodun warned stakeholders against contentious primaries which often result in bitterness, financial strain, and internal divisions that could weaken the party’s electoral chances, emphasising the intrinsic benefit of consensus-building.
Governor Abiodun was not giving all these admonitions and political sermons in a vacuum, he made it abundantly clear to aspirants that he was once in their shoes but meticulously maintained decorum and patience for over two decades, from 1993 till 2019 when his political maturity paid off.
He said”, I started contesting in 1993 and only became governor in 2019. If you don’t get it today, you may get it tomorrow”.
The Governor would not end his remarks without a sheering news to the aspirants, as he pledged to refund nomination form fees to those who do not secure party tickets among them, and in addition to that, he assured them of compensation and future opportunities within the party, he, however, clarified that the incentives were not meant to induce loyalty but to appreciate commitment and strengthen internal cohesion.
This is leadership with compassion and human face, it is simply exemplary in all ramifications across political climes and eloquently preaches political inclusivity, sagacity and capacity for strategic engagement in the quest for party cohesion and unity.
In the words of the late Chinese Strategist, Philosopher and Writer, Sun Tzu”, A leader leads by example, not force”.
Strictly speaking, Governor Dapo Abiodun is a good definition of an exemplary leader, his political philosophy predicates on the popular maxim ”, Whatever Touches All Must Be Approved By All”, while his style of leadership remains a total departure from the past.
Kudos, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON.
Ajibola is Senior Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Strategic Communications
