Principles of Sacrifice and Political Equity in Perspective: A Focus on Hon. OTOPE || By: Oladele Yusuf Ejalonibu (Egbeda LGA)

The political landscape of Egbeda was filled with palpable disappointment and a deep sense of dismay among many stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023.

This feeling arose following the decision of Hon. (Dr.) Oloye Ezekiel Temitope Oladimeji (OTOPE) to withdraw from the House of Representatives race. This selfless act was undertaken to pave a clear path for a senior and respected leader from Egbeda, Hon. Busari Olayemi.

However, it is a matter of public record that a faction within Egbeda—a group of individuals—did not reciprocate this gesture of goodwill and instead voted against my leader (Hon. OTOPE) during the elections.

This brings to the fore a fundamental question of political integrity and reward: If our leaders truly fear God and respect the principles of fairness, this singular episode of sacrifice demands that Hon. OTOPE be compensated without hesitation.

In 2023, driven by an immense love for the party and its cohesion, Otope willingly stepped aside for an aspirant from the Egbeda axis. It is, therefore, a tenet of political equity that the Egbeda axis should, in turn, support the Onaara constituency, from which Hon. Otope hails. This is not a matter of shame or “eye-service”; it is a demand for reciprocal respect.

While the Nigerian Constitution may not permit the circumvention of a popular mandate, the internal dynamics of the PDP should rise to the occasion. The party leadership should consider an automatic ticket for Hon. Otope. If it were possible, the party ought to provide a chartered aircraft to fly him directly to the Green Chambers, bypassing the rigours of a primary election in the Egbeda/Onaara Federal Constituency. This hyperbole merely serves to underscore the magnitude of the sacrifice he made and the debt of gratitude owed to him.

It is the profound nature of his service to the party and the community that compels me to speak out so passionately on this matter.

I come in peace, advocating solely for fairness and the reward of loyalty.

Credit: Oladele Yusuf Ejalonibu

A concerned stakeholder from Egbeda Local Government Area.