By Kayode Abdulazeez
As the clock of 2019 general elections is fast ticking, politicians across the country are rejigging their strategies, forming alliances, mobilizing supporters into their various camps while some are decamping from one political party to another in a bid to actualize their political ambition.
North Central zone of Kwara State is becoming more lively, hot, and interesting as politicians are struggling to take over from incumbent governor, Alhaji Abdulfatai Ahmed come May 29, 2019.
So far, over 10 people have publicly declared their intention to run under the platform of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP), while majority of aspirants within All Progressives Congress (APC) are waiting for instruction from ‘the above’ before they can publicly declare their interest to run for 2019 governorship election.
Hon. Moshood Mustapha, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives has made known his intention to contest for the gubernatorial position under the platform of the APC, and he is not leaving any stone unturned to actualise his ambition.
For this singular act, Hon. Mustapha has sinned against the ‘political godfather’ in the state, for coming out boldly to exercise his constitutional right of vying for the position of number 1 citizen of the state.
The Ilorin-born politician has been consulting key political stakeholders across the 16 local government areas of the state and at the national level in a bid to actualizing his dream.
MM has been all-out selling his candidature to Kwarans/residents through Moshood Mustapha Group (MM Group) and the group is working round the clock to make the dream of former federal lawmaker a reality.
But the move by MM to challenge the old order of waiting for an endorsement or anointing of candidates by the political leader in the state has attracted condemnation and attacks from different angles. However, what the acclaimed loyalists of the Senate President refused to know is that MM is a strong political stakeholder and key player in the state and it is normal politically for aspirants to go for primaries because that is the best way to know the popularity and acceptability of the party’s candidate. This is exactly what MM is demanding from the leadership of the APC in the state and I don’t think that is too much to ask for.
For instance, National Pilot Newspaper owned by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki has been consistent in publishing anti-MM news, analysis and features for about three months; while social media influencers in the state have been ‘mobilized’ to dent the image of Hon. MM.
Moreso, his family name coupled with his relationship with the Saraki political dynasty, as well as his independent stand and other issues are being twisted to give him a bad name in the face of thousands of electorates in Kwara State. Dragging his children into politics is a very dishonourable thing to do and I hope the political saboteurs desist from tarnishing MM’s reputation before the wrath of God come upon them.
Asides that, some highly placed politicians have sponsored myopic politicians in his Alanamu Ward of Ilorin West Local Government area to suspend him but this remains an exercise in futility as MM’s political movement is waxing stronger by the day as a bonafide, authentic, and strong member of All Progressives Congress in Kwara State.
After all their attempts to pull the widely read and globally exposed politician down failed, they had devised another means to blackmail him. Some said he has teamed up with forces in Abuja to bring Bukola Saraki down and cause crisis in the APC.
However, a cursory look at the unfolding events shows that MM is the real victim of their political intrigues. It is so pathetic that those who have been identified as MM supporters are now victims of the Kwara state governments’ political Witch-hunt as some of them have been relieved of their appointment by the state government with a laughable excuse that they engaged in anti-party activities.
To set the record straight, the main offense of MM was his boldness and courage to demand for internal democracy ahead of the 2019 general elections which will provide level playing ground for all aspirants seeking for elective positions.
MM is advocating for participatory politics where politicians would be able to express themselves without fear, and where people would be allowed to bring ideas that will bring about the growth and development without being rebuffed; MM is advocating for a situation where Kwarans will be the key stakeholders in Kwara’s project.
Undoubtedly, Moshood Mustapha is fighting a genuine course and well-meaning Kwarans are expected to join hands with him in his bid to liberate Kwara from political bondage.
MM commits no sin, therefore, don’t pull him down!
