In a show of maturity, political wisdom and tactical mastery, the November 11,2023 Gubernatorial candidates of Kogi West extraction provoked excitement when they announced their resolve to act together in presenting a common front against Yahaya Bello’s third term agenda in Kogi State. By this action, they have put into shade the vacillation and procrastination of mediation groups like Okun Development Association, Kogi West Elders, Kogi West/Central Elders and Okun Think Tank, and others.
Due to conflict of interest, mainly bothering on the partisan interests of some of the leaders of these groups, they found it awkward to be recommending opposition candidates to contest against the ruling Party. This explains their months of motion without movement . It was the same way that some of them endorsed Yahaya Bello for a second term under the ignorance of getting Bello to support someone from the West as his successor. Though we now know better, some of the leaders seem to have learnt nothing and have forgotten nothing.
It is, therefore, a huge relief that the Candidates have taken the task headon as they are poised to shape the political destiny of their people. Having achieved this feat, it has become untenable for any group to project and partisan endorsement of any candidate as we head for the November election. The Elders must allow the new rapprochement to run its course. Since they did not speak when it was expedient, they should now remain silent for this season.
The intervention of the Elders is not totally out of place, but as it is the case in a family with many children’s it could be hard to express preference for one. It is, however, always a great pleasure when children grow up and begin to manage themselves better than their parents could do. This is what is playing out now.
We call on Senator Dino Melaye, Hon Leke Abejide and Foluso Braimoh to drive their new initiative to a logical conclusion, and network with other candidates from Kogi East and fair minded Kogites from the Central to recalibrate the power equation and inter-regional integration in Kogi State.
And for those who boast that President Tinubu would not allow opposition parties a level playing field in the November election, familiarity with the Tinubu political evolution would reveal that the President has emerged from the rubbles opposition He can not now barely fangs against them. That could amount to democratic ingratitude . As it was in the beginning, so it is now, and so shall it ever be. It’s a new dawn in Kogi West and Kogi State.
Oladele Juwon Ayodele
Kogi West Youths Support Group for 2023 Governor
