By: Comrade Sodipo Olukunle Oladimeji, anipr_
_House of Assembly Candidate, Abeokuta South Constituency II, Boot Party (BP)_
History does not repeat itself; people repeat history. And in Nigeria, we have repeated one costly history for too long — the history of voting sentiments over substance, popularity over competence, and mediocrity over merit.
As we approach the 2027 General Elections, the question before every Ogun indigene is no longer “Who is contesting?” but “What kind of future are we voting for?”
_THE COST OF MEDIOCRITY_
For decades, our ballot has been influenced by four dangerous M’s: Money, Muscle, Manipulation and Myopia (ethnicity, religion, and stomach infrastructure). The result is visible.
Mediocrity gives us leaders who can win elections but cannot govern. It gives us beautiful manifestos without implementation capacity. It gives us a cycle where we complain for four years and then repeat the same mistake at the ballot.
Ogun State, the Gateway State, home of the most educated and industrious citizens, cannot afford another round of trial-and-error leadership. The cost is too high — rising debt, unemployed graduates, failing SMEs, and eroding public trust.
_WHAT COMPETENCE REALLY MEANS_
To vote competence is not to vote grammar or certificates. Competence is measurable. As a people, we must interrogate all candidates, including myself, with five simple questions:
_1. Character (Who is he?):_ Does he have a verifiable record of integrity, empathy and public service?
_2. Capacity (What does he know?):_ Does he understand lawmaking, economy, education and youth development? Can he lead in a complex world?
_3. Competence (What has he done?):_ What has he built, managed, or fixed before? Past performance is the best predictor of future performance.
_4. Compassion (Who does he care for?):_ Does his agenda carry the market woman, the student, the artisan, the farmer and the youth — or just his political clique?
_5. Connection (Can he communicate?):_ Can he articulate his vision clearly and be held accountable by his constituents?
If a candidate fails these 5 Cs, no amount of party logo can cover his inadequacy.
_WHY 2027 MUST BE DIFFERENT_
2027 is not just another election. It is a referendum on our collective wisdom.
First, the electorate is now younger, more digital, and more fact-driven. Fake news will not survive fact-checking.
Second, the economy is no longer forgiving of mediocrity. Abeokuta South II does not need a representative who only shouts “I will do” — we need one who knows _how_ to do.
Third, our constituency is at a crossroads — between remaining a neglected corridor or becoming a model constituency for enterprise, education and empowerment. That transition requires a competent voice, not a sentimental passenger.
_MY PLEDGE_
I am not contesting because I am the most popular. I am contesting because I am prepared. As a Public Relations professional, community advocate and youth leader, I have spent years listening to our people.
If elected to represent Abeokuta South II under the Boot Party, I will offer Competent Representation — accessible, accountable and issue-based lawmaking that puts our people first.
But the ultimate responsibility lies with you, the electorate. We must Rewrite History in 2027 by doing three things:
_1. Reject Vote Buying:_ If they buy your vote, they have bought your voice for four years.
_2. Interrogate Manifestos:_ Don’t clap for slogans. Ask for How, When, and With What Money?
_3. Participate, Don’t Lament:_ Register, collect your PVC, attend debates, fact-check, and vote.
No nation ever developed by voting the most popular; nations develop by voting the most capable.
In 2027, Abeokuta South II must not just vote. We must vote wisely.
The power to rewrite history is not in the hands of INEC or the political parties. It is in your thumb.
Use it for competence, not mediocrity.
_Let’s Boot Out Mediocrity, Let’s Boot In Competence._
_Comrade Sodipo Olukunle Oladimeji, amipr_
_Boot Party – For The People, With The People._
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