2015: NIGERIA'S POLITICAL YEAR OF RECKONING (Oyo state version)

Today, in the Political firmament of Nigeria, preparation towards 2015 by politicians can be  synonymized to the way believers prepare for the day of resurrection, the only difference in the two is the manner in which these preparations are carried out. Rivers crisis is prima facie, Al-mustapha’s release is irrefutable, even the state that houses the largest city in Africa is not left out in the race for 2015.

 

When it comes to Elections in Oyo state a politician’s performance or achievement is not a determinant of his victory in an election, Bola Ige’s lose to Victor Olunloyo 30 years ago is a prima facie example. In the history of the State since it was carved out from the Western State on 3^rd February 1976,no civilian governor has spent more than a term in office, but it seems like history will be re-written with Rashidi Ladoja and Abiola  Ajimobi as the front runners in the 2015 gubernatorial election, except a new person springs up to maintain the status quo.

 

From the happenings in the state’s political firmament so far, it appears that the path of the 2011 elections will be trod in 2015.  The question is will, Ajimobi break the jinx? Going by his activities since his inception in the office, he has shown commitment to service through Urban Renewal Program, which has placed the major cities in the state on a new pedestal. With particular reference to Ibadan, which hitherto had the uncomplimentary appellation of the dirtiest city in West Africa, the governor has successfully re-written history.

The August 26,  2011 flood disaster in Ibadan has started to bring positive impact on the state with the reconstruction of some of the bridges washed away by the flood. Aside Infrastructure , Ajimobi has done well through Youth Empowerment Scheme of Oyo State known to have engaged 20,000 youths, transportation, education, security amongst other things.

To supporters of Ajimobi, the ideal thing in a society where performance in office is the gauge for re-election, is to allow him to have a second term but the opposition is already strategizing for 2015.I ask again, will Ajimobi be abke to break the jinx, despite strong Political Opposition from the likes of Akala and Ladoja?

Despite the fact that PDP lost to ACN in 2011, doesn’t mean that the largest political in West Africa is not has strong as before, they still have strong politicians like Alh Yekeen Adeojo, Alh Taofeek Arapaja, Senator Hosea Agboola ‘Alleluyah’ (dEputy Senate whip), Teslim Folarin (fmr Senate Leader), Jumoke Akinjide (Min of State, FCT), Hon Akeem Adewusi ‘arole Obasanjo’, besides they are still very strong in the Ibarapa zone of the State.

All that matters in an election is the mandate of the people. Will this be exercised or some other political factors will come into play? Only the result of Oyo state 2015 election will tell.  

Anifowoshe Titilope Tawakkalt 
300l Law student, University of Ilorin.
ff @classicaltiti