Osun: And The Credit Goes to The…

Nigerian President Ahmed Bola Tinubu is navigating the common challenge faced by incumbents during reelection campaigns: a deficit in propaganda, largely due to opponents running on promises of unmet public expectations. While opponents often fall short of their pledges once in power, Tinubu's administration is under scrutiny for the perceived gap between his campaign rhetoric and tangible achievements.

This dynamic is a worldwide trend, where critics highlight lapses and opponents seize opportunities to magnify them. However, the article notes rare exceptions where incumbents benefit from spectacular propaganda coups, akin to President George Bush being "gifted" 9/11 by Osama Bin Laden. The potential rewards for achieving significant goals, such as uninterrupted electricity generation, could also serve as a powerful propaganda tool.

During a recent appearance on Arise TV, Cardinal Francis Onaiyekan expressed concern to anchor Charles Aniagolu about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state, holding Tinubu responsible. This sentiment arose after the President met with the Catholic bishopric. The Cardinal's concern was prompted by the fact that 11 state governors had recently decamped to Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC), bringing the total to 31 out of 36 governors.

Tinubu, in defense, argued that he should not be held accountable for the inadequacies of opposition parties, stating it's not his role to compensate for their failures. While factually correct on the surface, the article suggests this overlooks the subtle pressures of power politics where Tinubu holds significant influence. The willingness of governors to compromise their independence for reelection bids, through various means, is also highlighted as a contributing factor to the current political alignment.