Bye-Election: Ibadan North PDP’s Opportunity To Redeem An Embarrassing Mistake || Written By Kolawole Ademola
As the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for the upcoming bye-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, it is crucial that the party selects a candidate who embodies unwavering loyalty and a deep-rooted commitment to both the party and the constituents.
The recent past has shown the pitfalls of straying from this principle, highlighting the need for a candidate who is not only a devoted party member but also someone who resonates with the grassroots.
The PDP must prioritize choosing a candidate who is genuinely connected to the grassroots, beloved by the community, and well-versed in the intricacies of local politics.
In the last general election, the party witnessed an embarrassing scenario where a candidate, having lost, sought to reclaim funds from party members and leaders. Despite numerous warnings against such actions, the candidate’s pursuit of personal financial restitution exposed a fundamental misunderstanding of the political landscape.
In politics, such actions can undermine the party’s unity and credibility.
It is essential that in the coming bye-election in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency, the PDP fields a candidate with proven street credibility, one who understands the essence of grassroots politics and remains staunchly loyal to the party.
Among the PDP contenders for the position left vacant by Hon. Musiliu Olaide Akinremi Jagaban, the party must be meticulous in selecting someone who, despite party affiliations, is respected even by opposition members.
This broad acceptance is vital for fostering a more inclusive and cooperative political environment.
The PDP must also avoid choosing an opportunist who lacks genuine commitment to the party's cause.
The mistakes of the past should serve as a stern lesson; selecting an unpopular candidate once again could lead to another electoral setback.
Instead, the party should focus on finding a candidate who possesses a deep understanding of grassroots politics and is embraced by both PDP supporters and the broader community.
Fundamentally, the upcoming bye-election represents an opportunity for the PDP to demonstrate its dedication to selecting a candidate who is not only loyal and connected to the grassroots but also capable of bridging divides and representing the interests of all constituents effectively.
This careful selection process will be critical to the party’s success and future prospects in the Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
Kolawole Ademola writes from Ward 9, Ibadan North Local Government.