Politics
2019 Elections: Think Twice Before Taking Decisions || By Olamiposi Ishola
FEW days to the much anticipated February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country, Nigerians are anxiously waiting to exercise their franchise ahead of the Saturday’s poll.
Since the commencement of Nigeria’s nascent democracy in 1999, the 2019 general elections will be the most keenly contested one due to the high political awareness, especially with personalities involved in the presidential race.
Virtually all political parties in the country facing different challenges which include financial, leadership tussle, inter party crisis and among others, while some cases are before the court over issues of candidacy.
The 2019 general elections which coincided with 20 years of Nigeria civil rule is a test on the part of the electorates, political stakeholders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as Security agencies on their readiness to strengthen the nation’s internal democracy.
The decision taken by all election stakeholders Including, Inec officials, security operatives, political leaders, candidates and voters will surely determines the fate of the country in another four years.
Although, Nigerians are found of saying it is just 4 years, but the fact is that it is indeed, a long journey if there is no drastic decision and deep thinking on who to vote for as well as why I want to vote for such person.
No doubt, the 2019 Presidential Election in Nigeria is between the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The electorate, who is the king and determinant factor of any free and fair elections now has destiny on their haned as far as Saturday’s elections is concerned.
Although, the presidential election will be held simultaneously with the National Assembly elections which is the second arm of government.
What this indicates is that if wrong people were elected into the legislative chambers of the country, under the influence of inducement or vote buying, no meaningful development can be recorded in Nigeria for another four years because legislators are the strong bone of any administration.
It is imperative for all election stakeholders to note that the task of safeguarding the country’s nascent democracy can not be left in the hands of INEC alone, hence the need to contribute meaningfully towards ensuring good governance and the nation’s internal democracy.
As INEC and security agencies had guaranteed the safety of Corp members who will serve as Presiding Officers (PO) in various polling units across the country, they must be remembered that any atrocity committed during the exercise may affect their future negatively.
The Apex electoral body in Nigeria must also be vigilant especially in the respect of recent fire disaster that affected both sensitive and non sensitive materials in some INEC state headquarters and the postponement of the election.
What will be the best Valentine’s gift for the country is for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s election and Nigerians will actually decide who will be the number one citizen of the most populous country in Africa.
Saturday, February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections is knocking, please think twice before taking any decision.
By Olamiposi Ishola
Mega Icon Magazine Political Desk
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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