The Osun gubernatorial polls are almost here and
the intrigues involved have reached a crescendo. There have been claims and
counterclaims. There have been accusations and counteraccusations. There have
been promises and more promises. The experience has been exciting. It’s been interesting.
It’s been alarming. It’s been amusing. It’s been appalling. And it’s been banal
and disappointing at times. But what is clear is that out of the 20 candidates
contesting for the post, either one of incumbent governor, Rauf Aregbesola and
former deputy governor and senator, Iyiola Omisore will win the election. In
this post, I will attempt to discuss some of the factors at play in the
election process and some facts about the election.
Rauf
Aregbesola
The incumbent Governor of Osun State who wrestled
the position from Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. An uncommon governor in his own
right, he has some factors working for and against him.
Factors For
Performance: The governor has
constructed many roads within the state and even a blind man cannot deny this. The
governor has also instituted some agricultural programmes which have benefitted
many farmers in the state.
Education: The governor has built
many mega schools across the state. He has introduced meals for pupils. Uniforms
are also given to students for free. The governor introduced tablets for senior
secondary students but had to withdraw them due to hitches. He ordered a
drastic reduction of the school fees of students of the state’s university.
Congeniality: Another thing the
governor has working in his favour is his affability and sociability. He is
seen as someone who identifies with the common man, especially in the way he
enjoys himself in their company by singing and dancing.
Factors
Against
Religion: The governor has not
been too sensitive about religion matters. He declared an Islamic new
year/calendar in a state where there are many Christians. There are insinuations
that he wants to build a mosque in every public school in the state.
Education: The governor seemed to
have goofed with the merging of schools in the state. This action has caused a
huge dissatisfaction among many indigenes of the state. His decision to change
the uniforms of school pupils to only one also did not go down well with
citizens of the state.
Civil
Servants’ Dissatisfaction: Civil servants in the state are unhappy with the governor
for not paying salaries regularly. And it seems many of them will not vote for
him. They believe the governor has not treated them well.
Iyiola
Omisore
One-time deputy governor and two-term senator, he
is apparently the strongest PDP politician in the state.
Factors For
Federal
Might:
He has the backing of the federal government’s machinery. And it is believed
the federal government will do everything to capture the state.
Ife Factor: He is supported by the
majority of Ife indigenes in the state.
Desire for Change: Some people are just
dissatisfied with the current administration and they believe he will bring the
much-needed change they crave.
Factors Against
Bola Ige’s
Death:
Some people allege that he is connected with the murder of Chief Bola Ige.
Antecedent: Some people also allege
that he has a history of thuggery and political violence.
Unfamiliarity
with His Programmes: Many people in the state
claim they do not know what he intends to do.
Lack of Impressive
Track Record: It is
alleged that despite the fact that he was a senator for eight years, there are no
tangible achievements that can be named after him.
What you need to know about the election
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