Date Published: 02/02/11

Kwara State Gubernatorial Election: A face-off between the Saraki family BY AUGUSTINE E. AKHILOMEN

How well can we describe the fascinating scenario building up in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State where the so called political juggernauts are gradually turning things upside down, all in the name of actualizing their gubernatorial ambitions without considering the peoples interest?

At a time when the indigenes of Kwara State are in dire need of change, a change from the administrative dictatorship of the Saraki family, whose involvement in their politics have marred the state immensely, with little or no development in the state to the extent that another heavy hammer is set to make a big landing very soon.

Regardless of their huge promises and pretence in luring Kwara's indigenes to stand solidly behind their party initiated antics, it is high time the people dissociate themselves from the bondage of slavery and make a redefinition of their choice of Governorship candidate.

The Saraki family have done more than enough to keep deceiving their people and making a huge investment in ensuring that power remains in the Saraki household-a situation which is actually turning it ugly face back once again after Gbemisola Saraki emerged governorship candidate for Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, ACPN unopposed after lone co-contestant, Mr. Biodun Asolako from Ekiti local government had stepped down for the Senator. 

However, I still can't imagine the way and manner at which he came about with the formation of this new political party in a very short time last year? Then I ask INEC if there are certain criteria to be considered before forming a political party?

Gradually, we are going to witness one of Nigeria’s most intriguing and action packed drama ever in the gubernatorial elections come April polls. The fact that Saraki Senior(Olusola) decided to withdraw himself from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that brought him fame, popularity and power aside his political background in Kwara State, where I believe he still remains the grandfather of underground politics.

Interestingly, the incumbent Governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki even though his tenure has expired, is still a core member of PDP and has in fact read the script straight to his father towards foiling his ambitions as far as the Governorship election is concerned. I wonder if this would be a fight between two gladiators knowing fully well Bukola Saraki might be considered a child in the face of his father.

To some extent, this could be termed an expensive dramatic humour, meant to cover the peoples face so that they may likely think things are beginning turning apart between two beloved family members whereas, they are only fashioning ways on how to seal their names in the seat of power. This could sound so sarcastic, but that is the truth and a reality that will soon unravel itself.

According to Mobolaji Sanusi in one of my published articles titled 'Kwara State Gubernatorial Election: A one man inheritance', he said “In the politics of Kwara State today, there is one name that opens the door to the seat of power to any aspiring candidate to the Government house. The name is that of Dr. Olusola Saraki.”

“Once any prospective candidate’s dream is ratified by the patriarch of Kwara politics, the gate to political relevance automatically opens. Dr. Olusola Saracen has had crowned and uncrowned many governors in the past. At the last April general elections, the mother of all crowning took place when in his characteristic fashion; he “installed” his son, also a medical doctor, Governor of the state.”

However, since the wishes of the people surpasses the mandate of all political leaders in any given state, then, will the people of Kwara State subject themselves to his decision of imposing Governors for them?

Mere reading through the script, it is quite glaring that Gbemisola is living under the influence of his father, who is prepared to see his daughter successfully rule over the people of Kwara State irrespective of what the people say concerning him.

Above all, Kwara State should be determined to reshape their future from the shackles of one man dictatorship, by rising to the occasion in a respectable manner devoid of violence because their destiny lies not in the hands of Olushola Saraki or Gbemisola Saraki.

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