The just concluded gubernatorial election in Osun state has continued to elicit diverse reactions from diverse schools of thought. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party camp tends to be basking on a false euphoria of ‘triumphantism.’ To the PDP, it is not just a defeat, but humiliation of the Labour Party and a demystification of the much touted LP surging online popularity and a signal of their readiness to sweep the polls come 2023.
To the incumbent All Progressives Congress, which was voted out of power, their loss is still the confirmation of their superiority over the LP, the handwork of some disgruntled chieftains, the over bearing influence of some founding fathers and a confirmation of the existing well-oiled PDP rigging machinery that needs to be dismantled.
A very Interesting dimension to the above is that the two hitherto leading parties, the PDP and the APC, seem to have unearthed a common enemy, LP, in whom they have found a meeting point. The LP has suddenly become that cankerworm that must be dealt with either individually or collectively; a novel dimension in the annals of Nigeria’s political evolution, but a good affirmation of the surging popularity of the LP.
However, for us in the Labour party, how can we describe our outing and the performance of our candidate, Yusuf Lasun? Can the Osun election stand as litmus for what is to come in 2023? Are there justifications for our not-too-impressive outing?
In the words of our leader, Mr Peter Obi, “The election is not a verdict on our exponentially growing strength, but underscores the need for us not to relent in our collective resolve to take back our country. We are barely one month old and have to contend with powers that have been on the ground for decades.”
Lasun was fighting against forces fully entrenched in Osun politics. Without sounding immodest, the governor–elect, Senator Adeleke, can be described as the PO of Osun politics and rightly so. For long, he has represented the hope and aspirations of the teaming Osun voters, both the young and old.
No wonder he defeated an incumbent despite the federal might deployed against him even in view of widespread accusations of vote buying by the defeated APC.
Many analysts including my myself align extensively with the above submissions. However, it must be noted that the most potent ground force propelling this hurricane-like movement remains the character, pedigree, records and achievements of Obi and not necessarily his party. He is giving meaning and followership to the LP.
Unfortunately, Obi was not on the ballot paper in Osun, rather an unknown Yusuf Lasun, who battled against very highly entrenched political heavy weights, including his political godfathers.
Going forward, the LP in fielding party candidates, should field candidates whose character, integrity, records, profile, political philosophy, achievements have a corresponding symmetry with those of Obi, and at the same time should square up with the political strength/weight of other contesting party candidates. This is the easiest way to evaluate and align the common vision and attract more sympathy cum votes to the young enterprising and rapidly advancing political party. Candidates must undergo proper scrutiny to ensure they are not coming as political liabilities hoping to leverage on the goodwill of the leader; but must equally be highly saleable/marketable political assets.
At this point one may be compelled to ask what happened to the bandwagon effect of the Obi candidacy? Yes a time is coming when the profile and character of Obi will win elections for most contestants under the LP but it is quite too early in the day. This underscores the need for all hands to be on deck to build the party around Obi and his political philosophy.
The recent surge by admirers of the Obi movement to acquire their instruments of political change, which is the Permanent Voter Cards, will start yielding dividends in the forthcoming elections as many of these admirers have not yet gotten their PVCs, and so did not partake in the Osun election. This could be another plausible reason for the low votes recorded by the LP.
As it had previously been highlighted, the fear of insecurity coupled with the age long history of electoral disturbances and loss of human lives in Osun, taking into cognizance the elitist and urbane nature of LP members, could have equally played a negative role in the poor LP vote returns. Many intending voters may have stayed away, especially in the light of media reports of cases of disturbances in certain flashpoints of Osun even before the election.
This heightens the need for adequate security deployment and arrangement during and after elections, especially during the forthcoming general elections, and an assurance of full protection of lives and property.
In conclusion, LP’s performance in the election cannot be classified as woeful as some detractors are painting the picture. Rather it should be seen from the point of view of work in progress. The prize for good work remains more work.
The new converts should be encouraged to use the INEC ongoing voter registration exercise to get their PVCs. Security agencies must ensure adequate security of lives and property during and after the elections.Yes, Osun has come and gone. We may have lost the election, but we must not equally lose the lessons provided. Seven months is enough time to review our steps, push our manifestoes, put in place a well-structured and formidable campaign structure, build the needed alliances, put our house in order, dismantle the old school, install a new order and a new leader in the person of Obi. This is very doable.
Obioma, a banker, writes from Lagos
