On Monday, September 23, Daily Trust reported Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex governor of Kano State, gloating over the highly controversial and questionable ‘victory’ of his party in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
The paper reported him as saying that the APC will use the same template it used in Edo to win the November 16 election in Ondo State. This is a good time to remind Ganduje why he should stop gloating and boasting of what his party is going to do.
For the record, Nigerians, election observers and monitors and the international community witnessed the disheartening ‘template’ Ganduje’s is referencing. The APC resorted to shameful, coercive and deceitful tactics in their pursuit of power, period.
This behavior not only undermines the integrity of our democratic institutions but also poses a grave threat to the credibility of our political landscape. It is imperative that those who have engaged in such foul means recognize the gravity of their negative actions and cease their gloating.
To flaunt a strategy built on manipulation and dishonesty is to directly attack the very foundation of our democracy. Political advantage gained through unethical practices breeds disillusionment among the electorate and erodes public trust. This is not a path to be celebrated or emulated or boast about. It is a descent into chaos and division that we must actively resist together.
Let it be clear: integrity in politics should never be sacrificed for short-term gains. The boastful claim of replicating such tactics to capture more states reflect a profound misunderstanding of the principles that underpin our democracy. True political leadership is defined by transparency, accountability, and respect for the electoral process. Those who cling to the idea that they can continue to manipulate the system for their whimsical benefits must confront the reality that such behavior is antithetical to the values we hold dear.
This is, therefore, a call on all political actors to abandon this reckless and devilish mindset. Instead of seeking to exploit weaknesses in our systems, let us strive to strengthen them through honest engagement, fair competition, and a commitment to the truth.
The integrity and credibility of our institutions depend on our collective effort to uphold ethical standards. It is time to reject the notion that dishonesty can yield lasting success. Let us champion a political culture that values integrity above all, ensuring a more just and equitable future for all.
Eferakeya, a public affairs analyst, writes from Benin City.