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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

VIDEO: Oyo ADC gov candidate distributes corn to supporters

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Oyo State governorship candidate Taofeek Adegoke distributed boiled corn to supporters by the roadside, captured in a viral video.
  • The gesture sparked mixed reactions online, with supporters praising his humility and critics calling it a common campaign tactic.
  • Such displays are frequent in Nigerian elections, where politicians aim to connect with voters by participating in everyday activities.

Taofeek Adegoke, the governorship candidate for the African Democratic Congress in Oyo State, has generated online discussion after a video showed him distributing boiled corn to supporters along a roadside.

Very humble governor, let’s join hands to make him President of USA.

— Sam OladayoA social media user's positive reaction to the video.

The viral video depicts Adegoke personally handing out corn from a large pot to a crowd of supporters who gathered around him. Many supporters chanted slogans and hailed him as "Mr Governor," with some insisting on receiving the corn directly from him, viewing the act as a blessing.

Those people following him know he cannot win the election, yet they will still follow him and collect his money.

— Finiyi SamuelA social media user's critical opinion on the supporters' motivations.

Online reactions were divided. Supporters commended Adegoke for his perceived humility and accessibility. However, critics argued that such gestures are typical campaign strategies in Nigeria, where politicians often engage in everyday activities to appear relatable to ordinary citizens. These activities can include eating at roadside eateries, visiting local markets, or participating in community events.

Pure lie. This is an old school tactic.

— Ayinla KuselaA social media user's skeptical comment on the gesture.

While supporters interpret these actions as signs of simplicity and empathy, critics often dismiss them as symbolic tactics designed solely to win votes. The distribution of corn by Adegoke falls into this pattern of politicians seeking to project an image of closeness to the electorate during election campaigns.

Old style of fooling people.

— AtomAnother critical social media comment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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