Edo Elections; The Political Undercurrent of Change
By Bamidele Ademola-Olateju
Hubris is bad for politics yet many political actors get consumed by it. What was that boastful “leader of all democrats” broadcast for? That broadcast was the kiss of death. Edo people were enraged at the meddlesomeness in their internal affairs. There is an undercurrent of change in Nigeria. It is sad and unfortunate that some of our leaders are not seeing it. Yes, people are hungry. Yes, people get excited by chump change but people are growing angrier and more resentful. Many people have mobile phone and access to cable TV. They see what their peers enjoy in other countries. They see the standard of living in less endowed but better governed countries. This is not the 1980-1990s. Information is available on everyone’s fingertips. Money doesn’t solve all problems. When you hurt a people and their pride, they will fight. And fight back, hard!
Oshiomole is the biggest loser in the Edo election . He has allowed his hand to be used to catch serpent. Asiwaju Tinubu got a blinding slap. His money did not save him. Will he learn? If his imposition of Abiru is anything to go by, he’s learned nothing. The rumor is that Abiru will be offered to Lagosians as their next Governor. What is Asiwaju’s interest in making governors’ serve one term? He should reassess himself or his “Ó tó gẹ́ẹ́” moment is loading.
Well, Joseph Chamberlain said it best – “All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs.”
Congratulations to Governor Obaseki. There is a high possibility that he will be back to APC in a year or two. The next fight is APC NWC. Read the political tea leaves.
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