By Bilesanmi Abayomi
The 2023 New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate for Kosofe Federal Constituency and Coordinator of the Joint Action for Good Governance, Comrade Abdulwaheed Odunuga, has come under criticism for his prolonged silence since the 2023 general elections.
Before the polls, Odunuga was widely known for his vocal advocacy on governance and active participation in public debates concerning social accountability and civic reform in Kosofe. However, his absence from recent political discourse has sparked concern among observers and community stakeholders.
Speaking with KosofePost, civic advocate Comrade Olayiwola Sulyman, popularly known as Opomulero, expressed disappointment over Odunuga’s disengagement from public affairs.
“It’s quite unfortunate that one of the leading contenders for the House of Representatives seat in the last election, Comrade Abdulwaheed, who is supposed to be the leading voice of the people regarding the representation and activities of Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, has been silent,” he said.
Opomulero described the situation as a missed opportunity for constructive civic engagement and a setback to democratic accountability in the Kosofe area.
He also issued a call to action to opposition figures and politically conscious youths across the constituency to fill the growing vacuum in civic oversight.
“This is a wake-up call to the opposition parties — PDP, Labour, YPP, AC, ADC, and others. I also call on the likes of Samad, Deacon Arowoyehun, Seun Ogunnoiki, Shola Daniyan, and many other young people who desire a better tomorrow to rise to the occasion,” he urged.
“They should demand a better Kosofe by keeping a close watch on the activities of councillors, chairmen, and elected representatives, and criticize them when necessary,” he added.
Political watchers say Odunuga’s silence reflects a broader challenge facing Nigeria’s opposition politics, where many candidates retreat from civic engagement after elections, weakening the accountability culture at the grassroots level.