by Kunle Sodipo
*Abeokuta South Constituency II Deserves Better Than “Business As Usual”*
My dear good people of Abeokuta South Constituency II,
Since I declared my intention to contest for the Ogun State House of Assembly seat to represent our dear constituency under the platform of the BOOT Party, I have been overwhelmed by love, prayers, and solidarity from market women, artisans, students, professionals, and elders across *Ibara I, Ibara II, Imo/Isabo, Ago Egun/Ijesa, Erunbe/Oke Ijeun, Igbore/Ago Oba, Sodeke/Isale Ijeun I and Sodeke/Isale Ijeun II.*
For this, I am eternally grateful.
However, as expected in any contest, there have been mixed reactions. While many progressive-minded citizens have applauded my courage to serve, a few well-meaning friends and leaders have called me aside to express genuine concern.
Their concern is simple: *_”Kunle, BOOT Party is new. In Nigeria today, it is money and party popularity that wins elections, not good intentions.”_*
I have listened attentively. I understand this school of thought because it is born out of our painful experience as Nigerians.
But with due respect, I strongly differ.
*My Respectful Disagreement:*
If we all agree that Nigeria’s democracy has not produced the best of leaders in the last 25 years despite the popularity of big parties, then we must agree that popularity built on non-performance and a history of failed promises cannot be the yardstick for our future.
Are we saying we should continue to vote for failure because failure is popular? Are we saying competence should be sacrificed on the altar of familiarity?
That is not democracy. That is captivity.
*What Should Determine Victory?*
In every advanced democracy in the world that we admire, two things determine electoral victory:
*1. THE PERSONAL PROFILE OF THE CANDIDATE:* Who is he? What has he done before? What is his character? Is he accessible? Is he competent? Can we trust him with our commonwealth?
*2. THE MANIFESTO OF THE PARTY:* What does the party stand for? What is its concrete plan for education, health, youth employment, and security?
These are the global best practices, and these are what we must institutionalize if we truly want a better Ogun State.
If we continue to say “it is money and big party name that wins”, we are giving permanent license to money-bag politics and vote-buying that has kept Abeokuta South in arrested development.
*Why BOOT Party?*
I did not choose BOOT Party because it is the biggest. I chose it because its ideology aligns with my conviction.
BOOT stands for people taking ownership of democracy. BOOT signifies movement, labour, progress, and grounding. It is a party that believes leadership should not be inherited or bought, but earned.
*BOOT may be new in name, but its ideals are as old as the desire of the Nigerian people for honest leadership.* Every major party today was once new. What made them big was that people believed in an idea and stood by it.
*My Appeal to You:*
My good people of Abeokuta South II, *I offer myself not only as a party man, but as your son, your brother, your neighbour who has lived among you, served among you, and understands your pain.*
I do not have millions to share. What I have is:
– A track record of public relations, community service and youth advocacy that is verifiable.
– A clear Legislative Agenda: Quality Representation, Youth Empowerment through Skills, Revitalization of Primary Healthcare and Primary Education in our constituency, and Open-door constituency office.
– Character, Competence and Capacity to articulate your needs on the floor of the Ogun State House of Assembly without fear or favour.
On election day, do not vote for the umbrella or the broom or the boot because of its size. Vote for the man who will wear the boot to walk through the muddy waters to see your plight.
Let us *move from voting party popularity to voting personal credibility.*
Let us *move from voting based on how much a candidate can share, to voting based on how much a candidate can think, create and deliver.*
The power is not in the party. The power is in you, the people.
I am Comrade Sodipo Olukunle Oladimeji, anipr.
I am running to represent Abeokuta South Constituency II under BOOT Party.
I am running to prove that honesty, competence and a clear agenda can still win in Nigeria.
Let us walk this walk together.
*#BootTheStatusQuo*
*#CompetenceOverPopularity*
*#AbeokutaSouthII2027*
