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CAMPAIGNS: TINUBU/SHETTIMA TOWN HALL SESSIONS AS A STRATEGY.

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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. 

READ ALSO: https://dailypost.ng/2022/10/29/frsc-hails-borno-gov-zulum-for-supporting-command/

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.

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Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

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Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

By: Michael Mike

The President of the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, has deployed an Election Observation Mission of 40 observers to Togo to monitor the legislative and regional elections scheduled for 29 April 2024

According to a statement at the weekend, the mission is in line with the provisions of Article 12 of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and constitutes support from the regional organisation to its Member States for the conduct of their elections.

The mission is led by the former Vice-President of The Gambia, Mrs Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang.

According to the statement, the mission is made up of Ambassadors from Member States accredited to ECOWAS; representatives of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and Parliament; Civil Society Organisations; media professionals and election observation specialists from the West African region.

It revealed that: “This observation mission is being deployed following the recommendations of a pre-election fact-finding mission that visited Togo from 15 to 20 April 2024 to assess the preparatory phases of the elections.

“During its stay in Togo, the observation mission will hold consultations with the main stakeholders in the electoral process and monitor the voting process up to 29 April 2024.”

Togo Elections: ECOWAS Deploys Election Observation Mission

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Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

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Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

By: Bodunrin Kayode

A Plateau elder Ambassador Yahaya Kwande has described the just concluded re-run election into the national assembly as a Triumph of Democracy.

In a release titled Congratulations to the Winners of Plateau State Bye Elections of February 3, 2024, he noted that the entire exercise was a victory to the people of the state.

“With great joy and profound gratitude, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected Senator, (Plateau North Senatorial District), Prince Pam Mwadkwon Dachungyang, and the Member of the House of Representatives, (Jos North/Bassa Constituency), Hon. Daniel Asama, on their resounding victory in the recently concluded bye election held in Plateau State.

“Your triumph is a testament to the true spirit of democracy and the unwavering support of the people.

“I have no doubt that both Prince Pam Mwadkon and Hon. Daniel Asama will live up to the aspirations and expectations of the voters, as they embark on this noble responsibility of representing their constituents. May your tenure be marked by dedication, integrity, and a relentless pursuit of progress for our beloved state and nation.

“As we celebrate this momentous milestone, let us not forget the challenges we faced during the post-2023 elections period. It is my sincere hope that Plateau State will swiftly recover from the divisions and tussles that marred our unity. Let us unite as one, for the strength of our state lies in our togetherness.

“It is essential for the government and the people to undertake immediate measures to reconcile and bridge the gaps that have emerged. We must never forget that every citizen, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity, is entitled to their fundamental rights. The use of religion as a tool of disfranchisement must cease; we must affirm that citizenship rights are not conditional on faith.

“Let us also strive to recapture the lost glory of our state, when Jos was hailed as the political Mecca of Nigeria, attracting momentous political events and embracing politicians from all shades and ideologies. We can revive this legacy by nurturing an environment that exudes peace, openness, and security for all. Together, we can restore Plateau State as a beacon of democratic excellence.

“In conclusion, I express my utmost optimism for the future of Plateau State. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who peacefully participated in the bye election, be it as candidates or enthusiastic supporters. Our journey towards progress and development continues, and I am confident that we will stand united, empowered by the unwavering spirit of our people.” said Kwande.

Re-run election into the national assembly, a Triumph of Democracy – Kwande

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APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

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APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

By: Jabiru Hassan

The National President of the APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG), Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for intervening to ease the hardships affecting Nigerians.

In a message he issued to newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Ambassador Tsoken described President Tinubu as a leader with listening war by giving a marching order for the release of different food items to ease hardships for the people of Nigeria, which is a good initiative.

”APC-IGG has recognized what Mr. President has done in order to ease the hardship affecting the people on the food price hike, which is very good foresight from our leader. We therefore thank all those who have helped with the implementation of the process to release the food items from the federal government reserves across the country for their well-deserved thought.” The statement was added.

Ambassador Musa Mohammed Tsoken reassured the people of Nigeria that the APC Initiative for Good Governance would continue to work selflessly in order to ensure that Nigeria is progressive under the present democratic dispensation without bias.

Amb Tsoken emphasizes that the emergence of His Excellency Sen. Dr. George Akume as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation depicts the fact that President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has reliable and credible individuals who have verse experience in governance from all ramifications; therefore, the deliverance of democratic dividends is something that Nigerians should believe in its workability and full efficacy in the near future, considering the fact that some of the policies and programs of the Renewed Hope Agenda have started gaining sway in the lives of the citizenry, he concluded.

APC-IGG: Ambassador Tsoken commends President Tinubu for intervening to ease hardship for Nigerians.

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