By Oguns Sunny
After the political rain that fell heavily in 2023 that saw President Bola Tinubu emergence as the President, the cloud is gradually gathering again. This time around, it is for 2027. One would not want to go into his history: The President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu ran under All Progressives Congress Party(APC), Mr. Peter Obi, Labour Party (LP) and Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, New Nigeria Peoples Party(NNPP) -all in Presidential race. Fortunately , President Bola Tinubu has his way and today, he is the President Mr. Peter Obi went to court, wanted to reclaim his mandate but lost the battle due to technical ground according to the Law.
As clock ticks, Nigeria is closed to 2027 general elections. The political space would be easy this time around. Many Nigerians if not all, have made up their minds who they would vote for even though, they have not known who would contest among Nigerian politicians and the party they would belong, yet they are aware that would be many political parties as usual.
No one needs to choose for another as the current economic challenges occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy which has caused high cost of living in the country is a lesson to all,. even a primary school learner. Many have died secretly in one way or the other, while many, though living, are at the mercy of God. Many families can hardly afford two square meals a day. This has not only affected humans but rodents such as rats that depend on wasted foods in the waste bins, humans have not seen food to eat, how can there be remnant for rats in the bins?
Nigerians have divergent prayers: Many pray that the present administration should continue in 2027 because they have benefited, some pray that a neutral person should contest so that they could vote for such a person, some have prayed that Mr. Peter Obi should contest again for Presidential election, while others have decided not to vote at all. For those who still have Mr Peter Obi in mind, it does appear that, their prayers have been answered. From reliable sources, he is not only contesting under the same platform(Labour Party), but he is being joined by the 2023 Presidential candidate, under NNPP, Engr. Kwankwaso as a running mate and of course, Delta Central Senatorial District level, Evang. Dr. Austin Ofomana. These three in one is formidable team to slug it with whoever may want to try his luck come 2027.
Though, many politicians are already warming up and strategizing against 2027 general elections, the likes of these three in one are not easy to come by. While one would not want to talk about the pedigree of these three personalities, the political strengths and strategies of Mr. Peter Obi is known to all. Aside being a industrialist in his capacity, a two time Governor of Anambra State, many testify what he did for the people that has always earned him respect not only among his people but by those who have heard much about him.
It would be a mere waste to say, if not for the technicality of the law, by now, Mr Peter Obi would have been the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria because many Nigerians also cast their vote in his favour- all now has become history. So, in 2027, no doubt, if he contests, one is sure, he garnered votes that may catapult him to power. Then, the former Kano State Governor, Engr. Rabiu Kwankwaso , who, it was gathered, would be Mr Peter Obi’s running mate is so much loved by many Nigerians especially the Northern part of the country.
His love was displayed in 2023 during his electioneering campaigns to different parts of the country especially in Warri, Delta State where he had a rousing welcome. The Delta South Senatorial Candidate then, Commodore Omatseye Nesiema along his teeming supporters welcomed him to his secretariat in Odion Road. That day, the love for him by his people was displayed.
There were tricycles acrobatic displays as the multitude welcomed him and his entourage to Delta State. That day, there was traffic jam in Odion Road that even pedestrians could hardly have their way. Is it the Senator- in-waiting for 2027, Evang. Dr Austin Ofomana? He is a well known figure in the political climate. He is not a baby in the business. Many people in Delta Central love him based on what he has done and can do differently when he becomes the Senator representing the people come 2027.
One needs not say, how he has empowered his people without holding a major political office in the successive past administrations. It is his philanthropic gestures that made his people call on him to represent them at the Senate, to make a change in the narrative of Delta Central Senatorial District. Little wonder when Evang. Dr. Ofomana unveiled his strategies he has put in place to better the life of his people to a personality and a well respected leader of Labour Party in the political arena, Chief Ken Olise who resides in Lagos, he, along with his teeming supporters, has declared support for Delta Central Senatorial ambition of Evang. Dr Austin Ofomana. This, he displayed in WhatsApp message to the Senator- in- waiting sent on 27th September, 2024, where he assured him of support come that day. According to Chief Ken Olise, having perused the development Agenda of Evang. Dr. which include: the empowerment of youths, women, men in the area, he has no choice but throw his, along with teeming supporters’ weight behind him(Evang Dr. Ofomana) . He said, if people like Evang. Dr. Ofomana is voted for, he is sure the challenges of development in the area would be the Senator- in waiting’s priority.
Part of the message Chief Ken Olise sent via Whatsapp reads:” Having perused your developmental agenda for Delta Central, l am convinced that you and your team would be able to bring about massive development to our people: the development which our people have been yearning for over the years.
” As a seasoned politician over the years, whom l know, no dying the fact that, if you are given the mandate come 2027, you will do great exploits. You are a round peg in round hole, as you make bed so you lie on it. I am confident that, you would actualize the dreams of our people when you assume power and l pray God to give you the wisdom and good health to actualize your dream for the people when elected. I wish you success in your endeavors”.
Based on this, one would not wonder the kind of supports he has got and still gets with his team since he has been paying consultative visits to many political juggernauts in the district and beyond. While one needs not say much about him, more of him is bet to surface at his emergence come 2027.
As it is known, leadership is by example. With the likes of the three persons to represent the country at different spheres( capacities) mentioned, if they are voted for, one needs not ask if Nigeria, especially Delta Central Senatorial District would wear a new look.
Many Nigerians have tested different hands in both Presidential, and Delta Central Senatorial District but certainly, not Mr. Peter Obi and Evang. Dr Austin Ofomana respectively. It is believed by many that, should the likes of the three pilot the affairs of Nigeria in general and Delta Central in particular, the suffering of Nigerians would be a thing of the past.