OBSERVATION: All Eyes On Osun APC

By YAYA ADEMOLA

AT the high level, politics has to do with activities associated with the governance, especially within a party and between parties seeking mandate of the populace to rule. In this epoch, however, there are two types of politics – Conservative and Progressive. Conservatism is a political belief associated with right-wing politics. Conservatives don’t want radical social change and modernisation of society at large. If at all there would be any change, it should be brought about through a very slow process. Theirs is business as usual and retention of tradition in society.

Conversely, Progressivism is a political philosophy that embraces social reforms. It is a political movement or party that aims to represent the interest of the ordinary people via modern ideas and innovations that will improve the environment, social and economic condition of life of the people. Progressives see politics as an opportunity to serve the people by implementing policies that will bring forth desired social change and modernisation of the society. What makes progressive politics intriguing is its traditional cultivation of divergent opinions and ideas.  A progressive party allows blocs and caucuses in its fold.

A progressive party educates its members through party school; it allows blocs to push their ideas on how the party could be more progressive or where the party tends to derail, these blocs will struggle with robust debates within the party with the objective to put it back on its track of progressive orientation and ideals. In this process, there will be alignment and realignment of forces around developmental ideals with the ultimate agenda to fortify the party. This, perhaps, explains why it is said, “In politics, there is no permanent friend or enemy but permanent interest.” In this context, “permanent interest” is not personal interest but interest of the party. Under this atmosphere, one’s yesterday friend could become one’s enemy today. This partly captures scenario playing out in Osun APC politics. 

The Osun Progressives (TOP) is a caucus within Osun APC. The caucus, which is led by Aregbesola/Salinsile, felt its party –APC – has been infiltrated by aliens who have no single progressive orientation and credentials; hence, the need to rescue it from the infiltrators. This is in line with the tradition of a progressive party. Instead of trashing issues involved out through debates, canvass of ideas, and persuasions, the Oyetola/Famodun led faction resorted to alienation, intimidation and harassment of TOP. As against the tradition of recruiting more members into its folds, Oyetola/Famodun led faction relies on thugs to suppress TOP caucus agitations and dispersal of its meetings by violence while TOP continues to recruit at the grassroots. Meanwhile, violence is at all times a sign of weakness and a perversion in progressive politics.  The attitude of Oyetola/Famodun led faction is a confirmation of TOP caucus allegation that Osun APC has lost its progressive fervour and needed redemption and fortification.

Osun APC gubernatorial direct primary to elect the candidate for 16th July, 2022 governorship election holds on Saturday, 19 February, 2022 in all the 332 Ward Collation Centres, with three aspirants in the race. However, the contest will mainly be between Alhaji Moshood Adeoti of Aregbesola/Salinsile faction and Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Oyetola/Famodun faction. It will be a historic election. Members of the party are expected to troop out to vote their choice. This is where security and other stakeholders in electoral matters must wade in. This Saturday, APC direct primary should be a set standard for other political parties to follow when having theirs, either direct or indirect. It is crucial that the primary election be free, fair and credible as it is the only window left for APC members to choose candidate who will be their flag-bearer in the July 16, 2022 governorship election in the state. Other factors like money, intimidation, rigging and manipulation should not be allowed to play any role in the primary. Only the most popular candidate should emerge. If any other consideration other than popularity determines who emerges candidate, it is a recipe for loss of July 16 governorship election and perhaps, extinction of the party in the state as nothing can be built on nothing. Every student has prepared for the examination; we cannot and should not allow cheating during examination. Every APC member with his/her membership card should go to cast his/her ballot for a candidate of his/her choice. 

Police, Civil Defence Corps, DSS and other allied security agents should not allow thuggery, violence and monitisation in the primary. Materials for the conduct of the primary should be protected from snatchers.  Any thug that tries to disrupt the primary election or inflict any injury on the members wanting to vote should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with law of the land. If the security operatives mess up the management of this primary, it will be a bad omen to other political parties’ primaries and a bad insignia to the July 16 governorship elections in the state which is the forerunner to 2023 general elections.