*Why Labor Party got lost in Osun*

In Osun election, ADP came 3rd with over 10k votes. Another party simply known as A came 4th with over 4k votes.

PRP came 5th with over 2k votes.

Labor Party's position is lost amongst the rest.

Many people on this platform don't even know about the existence of the above mentioned parties.

Nobody dey give the parties hype on social media, but still, they have more votes than the online noise makers.

Actually, ADP had more than 5 times, what Labor Party has.

This is what often happens due to structure.

In 2018, ADP actually had more than 40,000 votes in the governorship election. They built a pretty rooted structure due to the capacity of their then governorship candidate.

This time around, the structure could not be sustained by the party, but they still manage to have over 10,000 votes, despite limited publicity.

If you still don't know what a structure is, na you know.

*Ethno-religious division*

Since 1999, Nigeria has always had the Christian-Muslim ticket at the presidential level, but the ethno-religious division continue to get wider.

Why?

So, if Muslim-Christian ticket of major parties since 1999 didn't close the religious divide or reduce tension and suspicion, but instead continue to expand it, what exactly would such ticket or absent of it achieve in 2023?

My opinion is that, Muslim Christian ticket will not and has never solved any issue of religious divide, what will solve the problem is capable leadership that is not scared to take difficult decision.

It's always difficult to accept difficult decisions, many would fight against it and they have a right to do so.

Difficult decisions are not always popular, sometimes, it is very difficult to swallow, but they are usually necessary.

If More than 20 years of Muslim-Christian presidency has brought us this much division and continue to expand the division, we definitely need to try something different and Bola Tinubu has led the search for a new direction.

It's okay to disagree with it, it's okay to fight against it, but it is also okay to explore it and at the end of it all, we would all be better for it.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat

*The live of a police officer is more valuable than a thousand criminals- KMC*

_Sympathize with police over killing of officer_

A leading Pro-democracy group, Kwara Must Change has sympathized with the police over the killing of a police inspector by criminal elements.

The group also commended the tireless efforts of the police in keeping Kwara safe, despite the challenging times and limited logistics.

In a statement by the Convener of Kwara Must Change, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, the group said that the live of one police officer is more valuable than a thousand criminal and it urges the police to fish out all criminal elements across the length and breadth of the state.

According to Hamzat, Kwara is a state of harmony and the police will be given all necessary support by the people to continue to maintain the peaceful nature of the state.

Hamzat also stated that, the loss of an officer in the hand of some criminals is truly saddening, because police doesn't get the required commendation they deserve for the many life threatening sacrifices they make.

Kwara Must Change therefore commend the sacrifices of the police and thank them for doing their best.

Making sense from Gov Abdulrahman's political nonsense
By Abdulrazaq Hamzat

The Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is playing a strange kind of politics that is not known or understood by many, including some of his ally and associates.

His approach to politics and political balancing has been described by some as political nonsense.

In the absence of context or understanding of Gov. Abdulrahman's approach, confusion and even misunderstanding is inevitable, hence my decision to make sense from the governor's political nonsense.

First and foremost, it must be understood that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is an highly experienced politician, but he's not a typical politician.

He's an experienced politician because he was born into a political family and have been playing the game at top for over 20 years, leading to his eventual emergence as a state governor. But he's not a typical politician because, politics for him is not a profession, but a hobby, which he plays, only after being done with his main business.

To a typical politician, politics of who gets what and how is the ultimate, but to Abdulrahman, politics is only a means to an end, it is not an end on its own.

A typical politician will see failure to get political office, either elected or appointed as ultimate blow, but Gov Abdulrahman see's beyond that. In his mind, there's much more that can be done with or without political office.

Because politics is just a means, not an end on its own, all those who share in the ideal of the bigger picture will understand that there's much more that can be done, with or without political office. Unfortunately, most typical politician may find it hard to understand this.

The 2023 electoral season is on and the drama of the recently concluded primary election played out in public eyes.

Many expected the game to go in a certain way and since it didn't go that way, they raise all sorts of complaints. Others expected certain people to win and since they didn't win, then things didn't go well. We also have those who expected support from certain quarters and since those people didn't support them, bitterness sets in and all sorts of conspiracy theories are concorted.

I have heard people say that the governor is supposed to have done this and that and they maybe right. Others say the governor is supposed to have come out to support this and that person which may not be outrightly unjustifiable, and some even claimed that the governor actually supported certain individuals and none of the claims were backed by any evidence.

In an effort to truly understand what has happened, those who are familiar with the process have explained that, Governor Abdulrahman canvassed for direct primaries ahead of the election, but most of the stakeholders preferred indirect, with some even preferring concensus. The governor's preference for direct primaries was outrightly rejected.

Our own group, the Kwara Must Change canvassed for direct primaries in all political parties in the state and some delegates in the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), who thinks a direct primaries would deny them adequate utilization of their delegateship, which they worked hard to get, actually approached us to engage us on our advocacy on direct primaries.

They argued that, almost all the stakeholders in the party wanted indirect primaries, but because of Kwara Must Change advocacy on direct primaries, which they believe the governor is holding onto to push further on his own preference for direct primaries, they feel that if we tune down our position, the governor would be alone on that idea and he would have to support the position of the stakeholders to conduct indirect primaries.

However, since this is democracy where majority will always carry the day, both leading parties in the state did indirect and concensus primary election respectively.

What this means is that, despite Governor Abdulrahman's preference for direct primaries, he didn't get his way, neither did he forced it down the throat of the members.

Additionally, many within the government of Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq resigned to pursue their ambition.

In one federal constituency, 3 people resigned from the same government to aspire and they are all close to the governor. Almost all of them and their supporters described themselves as the governor's choice, but at the end of the day, only one would succeed.

In all the primaries, hardly would any candidate not describe themselves as the governor's choice amongst all of those close to him, but there was no evidence that the governor actually announced anyone as his candidate. I stand to be corrected though.

The closest to this, was the governor's preference for women. But this is just a preference, not something that was imposed or mandated in anyway.

Some stakeholders who keyed into the governor's preference for women only decided to work for the emergence of women in their own constituency and some didn't. If we go by the governor's preference for women, as seen in the recent gender composition bill passed by the Kwara State House of Assembly, which mandated the state to produce a minimum of 35% and maximum of 65% for either of the gender, the recent primaries would have produce a minimum of 35% women, but this didn't happen and the governor didn't force it either.

What this means is that, the governor didn't get his way on direct primaries, neither did he gets his way on his preference for women.

So, if the governor didn't force his preference for direct primaries on the party, neither did he force his preference for women, I find it strange that he would be accused of working against some particular aspirants, who are actually his friends and associates.

Ofcourse, some of his aides could advance their ambition or their friends' ambition using their proximity to the governor, but from all indication, he seems to have removed himself as much as he could.

The truth of the matter is that, governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq is like President Muhammadu Buhari, who belongs to everybody and belongs to nobody and his disposition is to provide a level playing field for all aspirants, since all those contesting are his people. He did have preferences, which is natural, but he didn't impose his preference on anyone.

Ofcourse, it is normal that some people think they are more closer to him than others and that they are his preferred aspirants, but whether they are his preferred aspirants or not, the fact is that, he didn't lift a finger to unfairly aide their candidature over those of others, who are equally his people.

The governor's decision not to unduly aide one person over the other, is what some people consider as treachery, which I believe is untrue, unfair and an outright misrepresentation of fact.

Although, those who believe the governor should aide them due to their loyalty over time have a right to such expectations, but the governor also have a right to remain neutral to ensure all aspirants enjoy the fruit of their efforts.

Let me conclude by saying that, incumbents who have sense of entitlements because of their loyalty to the governor have forgotten that, there are many people who are not in public office, but are equally supportive and loyal to the governor, using their own hard earned resources, time and capacity and it would be unfair for the governor to use his priviledge position to unfairly tilt the primaries in favor of the incumbents over the independent supporters who are equally loyal.

*_Abdulrazaq Hamzat writes from Ilorin _*

https://arewaagenda.com/making-sense-gov-abdulrahman/

*Nigeria's role in halting Ethiopia's conflict*

A little over a month ago, Ethiopia Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed came to Nigeria to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Information later emerged that the Ethiopia PM did not only come to discuss bilateral issues with Nigeria, but he actually came to meet with the representative of tplf.

Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed reportedly met with Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) delegates in Nigeria.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who is AU envoy to the horn of Africa has been working behind the scene to facilitate the mediation efforts in Ethiopia to bring the ongoing crisis to a halt.

The meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari is the first round of such mediation, which has created a communication avenue between both parties.

*Tinubu Vs Obi's leadership credentials*

Political parties apart.

I want to address this subject, to ensure that we do not continue to elevate mediocrity due to sentiment and personal poor judgement.

See, I know some people like Peter Obi. It is okay to like him. I like him too.

But making his candidature look like a better candidate than Tinubu is a gross misjudgment by anyone who hold such view with all due respect.

By every standard of leadership, Tinubu rank higher than him, no matter the criteria.

This is not about personal likeness or political party, remove party or any of such perochial consideration, Tinubu's objective assessment will always place him above Obi.

So, let's keep political parties apart, let's address the person of Peter Obi and Tinubu based on what we know about their previous leadership engagement.

One fundamental leadership fact that has been established is that, there's no success without successor.

The quality of your successor will either consolidate whatever success you claimed to achieve or expose your deficiency as a leader.

If you have ability to choose good successor, it would mean that you have ability to select the right team. And if you did selected right team during your administration, there's great tendency that you would have achieved something good with the team.

However, if you couldn't select a good successor, it is doubtful if you actually selected the right team during your administration and if you do not select the right team to run your government, your claim to success would be doubtful.

This simple analogy works perfectly well to assess the capacity of any leader.

Now

Let's put Obi besides Tinubu and apply the formula.

Tinubu:

1. Claimed to have performed well as governor

2. Claimed to have selected quality team

3. Claimed to have selected good successor

4. ?

Obi
1. Claimed to have performed well as governor
2. Claimed to have selected quality team
3. Claimed to have selected a good successor

4.?

The point 4 is determined after the tenure of both men are assessed based on the output of their successor.

Did the point 4 justify the claims made by both men?

Tinubu

4. His successor is good, Fashola. Built on the vision he initiated. Started new one's. Proved to be a quality successor.

3. Since his decision making ability on the choice of successor is good, it is likely that indeed, he actually selected quality team during his administration. Fashola was his chief of staff, now a Minister of works. Prof Osinbajo was his commissioner for Justice, now the vice president. Aregbesola was his commissioner for works, now Minister of interior. Fowler was his revenue man. Now the chairman for federal inland revenue. Ambode was his head of service, now a former governor. Etc

2. Since he indeed selected quality team during his administration, he most probably provided land mark projects of quality and governance because a quality team certainly have capacity to do that. Eko Atlantic, the brt transport reforms, the revenue transformation, the judicial reforms, etc

1. Since he provided landmark projects and initiatives, selected quality team during his administration, choose an excellent successor, he's most likely an excellent leader.

Obi

4. He had an average successor, if not poor one, Obiano. The successor never built on the vision he initiated. Took a different approach, without any result. No legacy of performance.

3. Since his decision making ability on the choice of successor is poor, it is doubtful, if not outrightly false that he selected quality team during his administration. We do not know any of his team, neither have they recorded any personal success after him.

2. Since it is doubtful or false that he selected quality team during his administration, it would be highly questionable that he achieved greatly or built any enduring project of vision, because the quality of the team he put together is highly questionable. We don't know of any endearing project he did that is still visible.

1. Since it is obvious that he selected an average of poor successor, with questionable claim of quality team during his administration and an outrightly questionable claim of vision, it is most likely that his claim to performance is also questionable and his leadership credentials is questionable.

If I am to recommend any of the two gentlemen for the leadership of this great country, irrespective of their political party, it is only wise, fair and reasonable that I recommend Tinubu.

*10 questions you must answer before chosing a presidential candidate*

1. Nigeria is broke and its economy is just too small, which candidate has the skills to bail us out and expand the economy?

2. Nigeria's civil service is corrupt and broken, which candidate has the capability to fix the civil service, energize it and hold it accountable?

3. Nigeria has weak institutions, which candidate has capacity to build stronger institutions?

4. Nigeria is importing almost everything, but which candidate has the ability to turn us into a producing nation?

5. Nigeria's foreign policy is not putting the nation first, which candidate has record of putting the nation first?

6. Nigeria has insecurity challenges, which candidate has experience to quickly address that challenge

7. Nigeria has huge infrastructural gap, which candidate is better positioned to address that?

8. Nigeria has huge unemployment, which candidate can produce more jobs?

9. Nigerian women needs to be empowered, which candidate can better empower women?

10. Nigeria needs a national phylosophy, which candidate can help with that?

Bonus 1: Nigeria needs a leader that can inspire the people. Which amongst the candidates can do that better?

Bonus 2: Nigeria has huge young talents, which candidate has the potential to tap into these talents and turn them into assets for the nation.

These and many more are the questions you must answer before deciding who your preferred presidential candidate should be.

Abdulrazaq Hamzat

XerXers:
Peter Obi destroyed PDP cabals in Anambra. If Peter is from Lagos he would have crunbled Tinubu political empire

You are funny

*Tinubu Vs Obi's leadership credentials*

Political parties apart.

I want to address this subject, to ensure that we do not continue to elevate mediocrity due to sentiment and personal poor judgement.

See, I know some people like Peter Obi. It is okay to like him. I like him too.

But making his candidature look like a better candidate than Tinubu is a gross misjudgment by anyone who hold such view with all due respect.

By every standard of leadership, Tinubu rank higher than him, no matter the criteria.

This is not about personal likeness or political party, remove party or any of such perochial consideration, Tinubu's objective assessment will always place him above Obi.

So, let's keep political parties apart, let's address the person of Peter Obi and Tinubu based on what we know about their previous leadership engagement.

One fundamental leadership fact that has been established is that, there's no success without successor.

The quality of your successor will either consolidate whatever success you claimed to achieve or expose your deficiency as a leader.

If you have ability to choose good successor, it would mean that you have ability to select the right team. And if you did selected right team during your administration, there's great tendency that you would have achieved something good with the team.

However, if you couldn't select a good successor, it is doubtful if you actually selected the right team during your administration and if you do not select the right team to run your government, your claim to success would be doubtful.

This simple analogy works perfectly well to assess the capacity of any leader.

Now

Let's put Obi besides Tinubu and apply the formula.

Tinubu:

1. Claimed to have performed well as governor

2. Claimed to have selected quality team

3. Claimed to have selected good successor

4. ?

Obi
1. Claimed to have performed well as governor
2. Claimed to have selected quality team
3. Claimed to have selected a good successor

4.?

The point 4 is determined after the tenure of both men are assessed based on the output of their successor.

Did the point 4 justify the claims made by both men?

Tinubu

4. His successor is good. Built on the vision he initiated. Started new one's. Proved to be a quality successor.

3. Since his decision making ability on the choice of successor is good, it is likely that indeed, he actually selected quality team during his administration.

2. Since he indeed selected quality team during his administration, he most probably provided land mark projects of quality and governance because a quality team certainly have capacity to do that.

1. Since he provide landmark projects and initiatives, selected quality team during his administration, choose an excellent successor, he's most likely an excellent leader.

Obi

4. He had an average successor, if not poor one. The successor never built on the vision he initiated. Took a different approach, without any result. No legacy of performance.

3. Since his decision making ability on the choice of successor is poor, it is doubtful, if not outrightly false that he selected quality team during his administration.

2. Since it is doubtful or false that he selected quality team during his administration, it would be highly questionable that he achieved greatly or built any enduring project of vision, because the quality of the team he put together is highly questionable.

1. Since it is obvious that he selected an average of poor successor, with questionable claim of quality team during his administration and an outrightly questionable claim of vision, it is most likely that his claim to performance is also questionable and his leadership credentials is questionable.

If I am to recommend any of the two gentlemen for the leadership of this great country, irrespective of their political party, it is only wise, fair and reasonable that I recommend Tinubu.

Last year, NDLEA established 6 drug rehabilitation centers across the country for addicts.

How effective are these centres in rehabilitating drug addicts?

Eyiwunmi33:

Who would come from an elite family and attended a college of education? Not even a Nigerian private university.

Lol

*2023 is a good time for Nigeria*

Nigeria is on the path to a win win situation.

For the first time in a while, the general election is not going to be a choice between candidates without records of building anything of value, but amongst candidates with track records of capability and private success.

1. *Tinubu*
The ruling APC has presented Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a man who is a successful professional, who has vast experience in private sector with multinational corporations, as well as several business interest. Long before ever coming into politics, he was a funder, who provides funding to politicians seeking offices. He eventually joined politics and he became a senator. He led the struggle for democracy after the annulment of June 12 and he eventually became a governor. His successful records of business development, human development and organizational development is unrivaled. What he built as Lagos State Governor more than 20 years ago is still standing.

If he makes it to be president, this cannot be a bad choice for the country. He came in with his successful record in business, nation building and political success.

Like every human, he has his short comings, which is also public records, but in all, his emergence can not be regarded, by any standard, as a bad choice for Nigeria.

2. *Atiku*

The major opposition party, PDP have presented Atiku Abubakar, a retired public servant, experienced politician and successful business man.

Atiku's record of business success is a public knowledge. The aggregation of his businesses, accounts for one of the highest private employment in the country.

Despite being a typical politician, his ability to build is not in doubt. Although, he has his short comings, which is in public domain, especially the perceived record of corruption, particularly his role in privatization during obj tenure without any result, but not withstanding, we cannot deny the fact that at a time that Nigeria needs builders, Atiku's record as a successful builder of businesses cannot be disregarded.

3. *Obi*

Although, Obi doesn't stand a chance, being in a party without any structure, but he has a record of business success. As a governor in Anambra, he did considerably well and has not been accused of corruption. His emergence in the race would also not be a bad idea for the country.

We also have the likes of:
4. Kwankwaso
5. Kola Abiola
6. Sowore
7. Etc

In all, 2023 will be the period of change in Nigeria. The options are not so dark like some people want us to believe.

Actually, those in the race are some of the people that have demonstrated their capacity, both in private and public sector and we should engage them positively to get the best from them, instead of being fixated on the negative. 2023 is going to be a win win situation for Nigeria.

*Abdulrazaq Hamzat*

She's a village girl

Eyiwunmi33:

Looking at her background, she is not from an elite family

That's obvious