Politics
CAMPAIGNS: TINUBU/SHETTIMA TOWN HALL SESSIONS AS A STRATEGY.
CAMPAIGNS: TINUBU/SHETTIMA TOWN HALL SESSIONS AS A STRATEGY.
By: Inuwa Bwala
A good student of politics will tend to say, that, a candidate seeking election into any office makes greater impact on the electorates, when he or she reaches out physically, than by proxy or through technological means.
Politicians who leave their comfort zones to physically visit are more likely to endear themselves to the voter, more than one those who reach out through emissaries.
Trends in Nigerian politics where technology does greater part of the job, through Television and Radio discussions, Social Media posts and
Press statements, may reduce stress and digitalize Politics, but do not make as much impact as the physical method.
And much as radio and television messages tend to reach greater number of people within a shorter period, the absence of physical interaction between leaders and the led, tends to widen the disconnect, making it difficult to hold leaders accountable over their promises.
No matter how sophisticated politics becomes therefore,,one aspect that cannot be replaced by technology is physical engagement with the voters during campaigns.
I assume, it is in trying to bridge the gap often created by reaching out to the electorates through technological means, that, the Presidential standard bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwanu Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his running mate, Kashim Shettima devised to tour the country, and hold town hall meetings.
Besides exposing them to the real issues on ground, this ingenious method tends to strengthen the relationship between a would be leader and the led, to the effect that it strengthens the covenant and rekindles confidence.
In each of the states Tinubu and Shettima visited so far, there have been direct and no bares hold discussions with stakeholders and the commoners, where issues were thoroughly interrogated.
The town hall meeting provide them the opportunity to diffuse erroneous notions about their intentions, just as they were able avoid the pitfalls associated with radio and tv debates, as relates to time and space.
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While others choose to stage rallies; showcasing crowds that are believed to be often rented, and where speakers are seldom clearly heard, Tinubu and Shettima choose to reel out their programmes before select citizens, where they entertain questions.
Reports from the several town hall meetings held indicate that, they are often thoroughly interrogated over their submissions and made to clarify any possible ambiguities.
Reports available to me show that,Tinubu and Shettima meet with people of diverse professional backgrounds: explaining the place of such groups in their administration if elected in the 2023 elections.
Besides, the physical engagements have relegated mundane issues in the polity to the background, and brought forth issues that should define healthy political discourse between them and the people they meet, such that, campaigns are directed on issues.
I have listened to both gentlemen clarify issues arising from their pedigrees as former governors, as senators, even as opinion moulders, and I am convinced that their partnership to lead transcends the trivialities being promoted as a narrative over their faith.
I have been on the trails of their engagements and one could see that, they have abandoned earlier trends, where personality attacks, blackmail, character assassination and vile political vendetta became the rules, rather than the exception. Communication gaps are fast closing and confidence is being rebuilt and the initial political tensions are giving way to hopes.
CAMPAIGNS: TINUBU/SHETTIMA TOWN HALL SESSIONS AS A STRATEGY.
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
By: Yahaya Wakili
President of the Ninth Senate, Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan PhD, GCON, Sardaunan Bade, Yobe North Senatorial District, has paid a condolence visit to the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Northeast Youth Forum, Haruna Adamu Sardaunan, over the passing of his beloved father, Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, at Potiskum.
During the visit, President of the 9th Senate, Senator Ahmed Lawan, prayed for the repose of his soul.
Senator Ahmed Ibrahim Lawan, PhD, GCON, urged his son, Haruna, to draw strength from his father’s memory and continue along the path of dedicated services to our people.
Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama, until his demise, was the chairman of the Yobe State Hunters Association.
Senator Lawan extended his deepest condolences to Haruna and his family and prayed that Allah (SWT) grants them the fortitude to bear this great loss.
“May the soul of Mallam Adamu Isa Bulama rest in Aljannatul Firdaus Amin, Sardaunan prays.
Senator Lawan condoles APC Northeast Youth Forum chairman over the demise of his father
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has called for the prosecution of those that were involved in electoral fraud in the just concluded gubernatorial election in Edo State
A statement on Thursday by the NGO Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, said:
“it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable. The government must be unequivocally reminded that its foremost duty is to serve the interests of the citizens, not to facilitate or condone actions that silence their voices.”
Mamedu said: “For over 15 years, ActionAid Nigeria has been consistent in her work around electoral processes in Nigeria including observing elections in the 36 states and FCT, although not physically present to observe the just concluded Edo State governorship election, we stand firmly in solidarity with our fellow Civil Society organisations and partners who have reported significant irregularities throughout the electoral process. This election has been marred by serious allegations of manipulation and rigging, as thoroughly documented by multiple civil society groups within the state. Disturbing accounts of disruptions at collation centers, including intimidation of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials and attempts to manipulate results contrary to established electoral provisions, have raised profound concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
“We recognise that INEC has acknowledged reports of result tampering and has pledged to investigate any proven violations but their track record in conducting free, fair, and transparent elections has been severely undermined by persistent accusations of inefficiency, manipulation, and undue political influence. While the investigation is a step in the right direction, it is important that these investigations translate into swift and effective action.
“Also, beyond the investigation, it is important that those responsible for undermining the will of the people are held accountable.”
He added that: “The time has also come to critically reassess INEC’s role in our electoral system. When an institution entrusted with safeguarding democracy continuously falters, we must explore alternatives. Nigerians deserve an electoral body that is genuinely independent, transparent, and accountable. There is a need to reform INEC as a commission in order to make it more efficient, effective and accountable in carrying out its mandate as an electoral umpire.”
Mamedu said: “A comprehensive electoral reform in Nigeria is urgently needed. First, there must be a complete overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create a more transparent, accountable, and independent body, free from political influence and led by individuals of proven integrity.”
He called for more roles for civil society organisations and international observers in Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that: “Civil society organisations and international observers should play a more significant role in observing elections, ensuring that their recommendations are taken seriously, with mechanisms in place for swift action against misconduct.”
He added that: “The adoption of more robust electoral technologies, such as biometric voting systems and real-time result transmission, is crucial to minimizing fraud.
“Security personnel must also be deployed impartially to prevent violence and intimidation, ensuring that party agents, the media, and observers have full access to maintain electoral integrity. It is essential to incorporate technologies like the BVAs and IREV into the Electoral Act.
“The judiciary must uphold its role as the guardian of democracy, prioritising electoral cases with swift, evidence-based verdicts. Any officials found complicit in electoral fraud must be held accountable, necessitating comprehensive reforms in the judicial sector to ensure just outcomes.”
Edo Election: ActionAid Nigeria Calls for Prosecution of those involved in Electoral Fraud
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
By: Michael Mike
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu has extended his warm congratulations to Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa on his election as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. In a congratulatory message, Ize-Iyamu praised Idahosa’s victory as a reflection of his dedication to public service, noting that the people of Ugboko in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Idahosa’s maternal hometown, are particularly proud of his achievement.
Ize-Iyamu highlighted that Idahosa’s success represents not only his hard work but also his deep connection with the aspirations of the people of Edo State. He expressed confidence in Idahosa’s ability, alongside Governor-elect Sen. Monday Okpebholo, to drive significant progress in the state, given his wealth of experience and passion for development.
He further prayed for wisdom, strength, and courage for the newly elected leaders as they take on the challenges ahead, emphasizing the hope that Edo State would experience peace, unity, and prosperity under their leadership. Ize-Iyamu also expressed optimism about the positive impact the duo would have on the advancement of Orhionmwon Local Government Area.
Ize-Iyamu wished Idahosa success in his tenure as Deputy Governor and looked forward to the transformative leadership he would bring to Edo State.
Ize-Iyamu congratulates Edo deputy governor-elect Dennis Idahosa
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