'Nigeria should consider two-party system’
Engr. Gbenga Akinwande (PhD) is a scholar and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A grassroots development enthusiast, over the years, he has deployed his resources to develop
Engr. Gbenga Akinwande (PhD) is a scholar and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). A grassroots development enthusiast, over the years, he has deployed his resources to develop sporting talents in the Ayetoro community in Ogun State, among other interventions. He recently shared his experience with ERNEST NWOKOLO on his attempt to run for a local government chairmanship seat, his legal battle, and other issues.
The 2027 general elections are approaching. In Ogun State, several politicians and technocrats have shown interest in the governorship. Where do you think the next governor should come from?
My position on this is clear. I am from Ogun West, and the zone has never been given the opportunity to produce the governor of Ogun State. From what we are hearing, the APC has zoned the governorship to Ogun West.
I commend President Tinubu and Aremo Olusegun Osoba for this decision, as it reflects true leadership and statesmanship in addressing the longstanding Ogun West marginalisation. I also commend Governor Dapo Abiodun for working with these leaders to ensure that Ogun West is duly recognised, especially considering the support the zone gave him during the 2023 election.
The people of Ogun West have made their choice regarding who their candidate will be. Come May 29, 2027, history will be made.
Ogun State recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, yet Ogun West has not produced a governor. What are the barriers, and can the zone break the jinx in 2027?
In my view, the jinx has already been broken. The historical lack of unity within Ogun West, due to its diverse composition, contributed to this challenge.
However, the leadership of the current Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Olugbenle, alongside the Olota of Ota, Oba (Prof.) Adeyemi Obalanlege has brought renewed unity and progress. All traditional rulers in Ogun West deserve commendation for their foresight and leadership.
Going forward, especially from 2027, the mindset of the people in Ogun West will continue to evolve positively.
The APC appears to dominate the political space, with little or no strong opposition. Is this healthy for Nigeria's democracy?
Frankly, it is not healthy and poses a significant risk to our democratic journey. Strong ideological foundations are crucial in politics.
During the First Republic, the Action Group was ideologically driven. Even after losing federal elections, they remained united and later evolved into the UPN in the Second Republic. These parties stood for clear principles and adhered strictly to their programmes and manifestos.
In 1999, similar ideological forces re-emerged as the Alliance for Democracy. Though they did not initially win at the federal level, they persisted until 2014, when they formed a coalition that eventually led to a historic presidential victory.
One key figure in sustaining opposition politics during that period was Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who believed strongly in providing a credible alternative to the ruling party. He played that role effectively for about 15 years.
Since 2015, Nigeria has lacked such a committed opposition figure. Instead, many political actors are primarily focused on contesting for the presidency rather than building strong opposition structures. I particularly fault Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for not playing a stabilising opposition role similar to what Tinubu did between 1999 and 2014.
How can Nigeria entrench responsiveness, transparency, and accountability in governance at all levels?
To achieve these ideals, we need strong and visionary leadership. I believe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is well-positioned to drive these changes, given his experience and political background.
My appeal to him is to use his second term, if given the opportunity, to rebuild Nigeria. There is also a need to review and possibly amend the Constitution. In my opinion, Nigeria should consider reducing its multi-party system to a two-party structure, similar to what we had during the Third Republic, to strengthen governance and accountability.
You are passing through the crucible of Nigerian politics. What lessons has it taught you in the last couple of years as someone who aspired to be a local government chairman in Ogun State?
Nigeria's politics is quite deceptive and often discouraging. However, if you are truly committed to improving your community and the country, then you must get involved. It is unpatriotic to sit back and watch others make decisions that affect your life and well-being—especially when those in leadership are not making quality decisions.
Prior to my aspiration for the local government chairmanship, I had already contributed significantly to my community using my personal resources. I strongly believe that if I had become the chairman, with the ideas and experience I have gained overseas, I would have transformed Yewa North Local Government into a prosperous and model community in Nigeria. Unfortunately, we do not have enough critical thinkers among our leaders in Yewa North who can align with such visions and ideologies.
You also went to court to challenge what you described as unfairness and abuse of due process in your party's primary, leading to the 2024 council poll. Are you satisfied with that decision?
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The court is an integral part of our democratic process, and every responsible citizen should see it as a legitimate avenue for resolving disputes rather than resorting to anarchy or violence. I have no regrets about going to court because, as a democrat, I did so to strengthen our democratic process.
During the APC local government primary in 2024, I was deeply disappointed as a progressive democrat. The party's constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and even the Nigerian Constitution were violated by senior party officials and leaders of the Ogun State APC. As a committed APC member, I believed it was necessary to challenge such impunity and undemocratic practices, especially considering that similar actions contributed to the political decline of the PDP.
The Electoral Act 2022 and our party constitution clearly outline that candidates should emerge through consensus, direct primaries, or indirect primaries. In the case of Yewa North Local Government, none of these methods was followed. This suggests that the current chairman effectively emerged as a sole administrator, which is not recognised under the law.
Furthermore, the chairmanship position had already been zoned to the Ayetoro area. I have video evidence from a meeting held on September 1, 2024, where the local government party chairman, Chief Adekunle Adeosun, and other executives addressed all aspirants in Aiyetoro, confirming this. Zoning is an established part of our party system. For instance, in 2022, when former President Buhari reportedly supported Ahmad Lawan, some northern political leaders intervened, which eventually paved the way for Bola Ahmed Tinubu's emergence as President.
However, due to pressure and persuasion from my family, political associates, and my Kabiyesi, the Olu of Idofoi, Oba Olatunji Abioro, I have decided to withdraw from pursuing the case further.
