Trying to weigh the three major political parties in Ogun State viz, Public Opinion, Organisation and Funds: Public opinion In Ogun State today, public opinion has swung back in favour of the PDP. There is a perception among residents that the current Administration was brought in to ‘take away’ money from the state, whereas the PDP ‘brought money into Ogun State’ for ordinary people, who had access to such. The perception goes beyond demolitions of structures by the current Administration, as many have now accepted the actions of the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in good faith. Some even praise him for roads being constructed, but will immediately counter the same praise with lamentation about how ‘foreigners’ are ‘taking our money away’, while ‘we suffer.’ This negative perception is being helped by the intra-party struggle between supporters of Aremo Olusegun Osoba and those of Amosun. Most of those who belong to the Osoba side in Ogun West and Ogun East Senatorial Districts, instead of countering negative comments against a government being controlled by their party, often add incendiary to the fire of such discussions giving a solid basis for belief among those who might have wanted to doubt. Unfortunately, they form majority of party members with structures effectively in their grip. In Ogun Central, while such persons complain, it is not as loud as those who are not of Egba extraction. But this perception is not one I believe the PDP itself understands as the party is yet to tap into this political fruit for harvest or even make attempt to channel it towards its advantage in 2015. Today’s Ogun State PDP does not have a rallying figure that the average Ogun State resident can positively identify with. Possibly due to the party’s in-fighting with its members scattered abroad into ACN, Labour Party and PPN, political ‘harvesting’ of the fruits of public opinion for the PDP is not possible for now. About the only figure of substance remains Prince Buruji Kashamu, who is not vying for office, but merely providing funds for the party. ACN is next to PDP in terms of overall public opinion rating, leaving Labour Party in third position. Amosun’s handling of security issues has earned him respect among many. The combined efforts of the Police, SSS and military since the governor assumed office appears to have paid a modicum of dividend in the court of public opinion for him. But beyond the perception that Ogun State money is being ‘taken away’, I want to believe that the governor’s policy of intolerance against ACN members who do not belong to his SIA Group will remain a major cross for him to carry till the next elections. Labour Party was in first position until a few weeks ago when the back-forth-back-forth movement of some of its key leaders began to rob the party of goodwill. Former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and Alhaji Rafiu Ogunleye, a former Deputy Governor under Aremo Olusegun Osoba, were leaders whose identification with LP gave the party enormous boost in public opinion ratings. Unfortunately, OGD began another round of romance with the PDP, making many members and admirers grumble. The romance has since hit the rocks. Speculations were also rife that Ogunleye would soon return to ACN as the party leadership were making serious overtures to him. And only about 3 weeks back, the rumour mill was agog with speculations that Kashamu had met with the old man to conclude the defection of his people to PDP. These speculations harmed LP. Organisation “Ni ilu awon afoju …” ACN, for now, remains the most organized among the three political parties under consideration. Next is the PDP. Labour Party is nowhere near both as the party does not appear to have a central coordinating unit at all. Funds It is ACN that is on top of the game here as well. Being the government in office, it is understandable. Labour Party is far from it in terms of funds as financial commitments are being made by members alone, for now. ------------------------------- N.B: I welcome additions/subtractions. No abuses. We are here to learn from one another.
Posted on: Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:37:56 +0000
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