It is quite unfortunate that Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai has chosen to comment on a political process in Kosofe despite having little or no understanding of the realities on the ground. Politics is local. The people who live in Kosofe, mobilize in Kosofe and vote in Kosofe understand their political environment far better than anyone watching from Kaduna North.
Describing Hon. Kafilat Ogbara as “a highly respected parliamentarian” is entirely his opinion. But he owes the people of Kosofe an explanation of what exactly he considers worthy of such praise. Is he referring to years of carefully staged photo opportunities without commensurate grassroots impact? Because if “people who do good should be allowed to continue,” then the obvious question is: who determines whether they have truly done good? In a democracy, that judgment belongs to the people. Certainly not politicians from outside the constituency. The people of Kosofe made that decision during the APC primary. Or was he implying Ogbara be imposed on us?
The people of Kosofe have already answered that question.
They participated in the APC primary and made their choice. They chose Mayor Dele Oshinowo. That is the essence of democracy and no amount of propaganda can change that!
For years, many residents complained that representation had become more about photo ops than visible impact in the constituency. Political branding is not a substitute for grassroots engagement. Photo opportunities cannot replace consistent presence, accessibility and tangible representation. Ultimately, party members evaluated the options before them and made their choice.
The same primary election that some now seek to discredit was the very process in which every aspirant participated. It is therefore contradictory to participate in a process, doctored a result when you came distant last, publicly celebrate what you claimed was your victory, and then later argue that the primary never took place simply because the people made their choice known and the final outcome did not favour you. How do you validate a process claiming you have won and discredit that same process after losing? Those positions cannot stand together.
Equally misleading is the attempt to portray Hon. Ogbara as the undisputed grassroots favourite in Kosofe. Anyone who objectively followed the campaigns knows otherwise. Mayor Dele Oshinowo moved from community to community, ward to ward, meeting party members and residents across the constituency. The support he received was organic, consistent and built on years of political engagement. That level of acceptance cannot be manufactured overnight. We understand and saw how Ogbara moved same set of people to the few places she went to. The primary election wasn’t a photo opportunity so it was real hard for those with no grassroots strength. Check Mayor’s audience everywhere he was at, real and organic.
Mayor Dele Oshinowo’s political strength did not begin during the primary. It was built over years of service as Executive Chairman, with projects, accessibility and grassroots structures that remain evident across Kosofe today. That is why his emergence resonated with so many party members. That’s Visibility!
Those outside Kosofe should resist the temptation to reduce a democratic decision to simplistic narratives about “godfatherism.” The APC members who voted are neither puppets nor spectators. They exercised their democratic right and chose the candidate they believed best represents their aspirations.
Rather than attempting to delegitimize the decision of Kosofe APC members, Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai would do well to focus his attention on the responsibilities entrusted to him by the people of Kaduna North and his household. Every constituency has its own political realities, and Kosofe is fully capable of speaking for itself.
The APC in Kosofe has a candidate. Party members have moved on. Campaigns are underway. The only people refusing to move on appear to be those unwilling to accept the verdict of party members. But are we surprised? A true progressive wouldn’t tear a house who raised them down.
Democracy is not tested when your preferred candidate wins. It is tested when your preferred candidate loses. Some people were there before her and now the people of Kosofe said it’s Mayor’s o’clock.
Ogbara, rest!
Kosofe has spoken.
That decision deserves respect.
Abideen Olamilekan
Disclaimer
Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of KosofePost newspapers or any employee thereof.