APC Aspirant Dismisses 'Rubber Stamp' Senate Label, Predicts Tinubu's Easy 2027 Victory

An All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant for Osun West confidently predicts President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027, asserting an even easier victory than his first term. The aspirant also dismisses claims of Nigeria becoming a one-party state and lambasts the 'rubber stamp' label often directed at the National Assembly, calling it a degrading narrative from the opposition.

The aspirant wastes no time declaring the APC's intent to 'send packing' Governor Ademola Adeleke (Peoples Democratic Party, Osun State) from Oke-fia Government House. August 15, 2024, is the date set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the governorship election, and the aspirant insists Osun people eagerly await it to install Asiwaju Munurudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the next governor. This confidence stems from what the aspirant describes as relentless work, expanding support, and superior numbers.

The notion of Nigeria transitioning into a one-party state draws a swift rebuke. The aspirant argues that widespread defections to the APC merely reflect the 'good works' of President Bola Tinubu (All Progressives Congress, Federal) and the positive turnaround witnessed across the nation under APC governance. Nigeria's constitution, the aspirant stresses, firmly establishes it as a multi-party democracy, a status that remains until constitutionally altered. Therefore, the current 'gale of defection' poses no danger to the nation's democratic fabric.

The Aspirant’s Legislative Vision

The aspirant's decision to seek the Osun West Senatorial District ticket for the APC comes from persistent grassroots calls. This drive to offer quality representation, which the aspirant claims constituents have long been denied, is paramount. The ambition extends to replicating President Tinubu's 'wonderful job' at the national level, promising robust contributions to legislation that will 'make Nigeria great' and enhance the well-being of the senatorial district.

Addressing the role of a legislator, the aspirant clarifies that while law-making is primary, all duties revolve around the constituents' needs. A senator combines legislative functions with oversight to meet the demands of their people, ensuring a 'people-centred' approach that ultimately strengthens the nation.

Defending Federalism and Dismissing Critics

On the debate about the cost of federalism, the aspirant acknowledges that no government system is 'cheap' in today’s dynamic political landscape. However, for a complex nation like Nigeria with its unique challenges, federalism remains 'about the best system.' It ensures adequate representation from all corners, mitigating concerns about marginalisation and allowing diverse voices to be heard at various governance levels. The cost, the aspirant concludes, comes with undeniable benefits.

The persistent 'rubber stamp' label against the Senate is unequivocally rejected. The aspirant calls it a 'degrading' narrative, especially from opposition elements who mistakenly believe lawmakers only work when at loggerheads with the executive. With individuals of 'varied backgrounds and proven mettle' populating the National Assembly, this perception, the aspirant argues, is unjust and unfounded.

Securing Nigeria and Cementing APC Dominance

On national insecurity, the aspirant insists that until every Nigerian views security as their personal business, solutions will remain elusive. While acknowledging the government's role, the aspirant emphasizes collective responsibility, urging citizens to report suspicious elements. Government must, in turn, equip security agencies, improve their welfare, and ensure criminals and their sponsors face justice. The deployment of modern gadgets is also crucial.

The aspirant's confidence extends to the 2027 presidential election, declaring President Bola Tinubu's re-election 'non-negotiable.' The upcoming victory will be 'much easier' than the last, fueled by widespread defections that have 'uprooted all other political parties from their bases.' The APC, according to the aspirant, enjoys 'massive support across the length and breadth of Nigeria,' a phenomenon unmatched by any other party. The party's 'culture of excellence' and President Tinubu's 'laudable programmes' — which have, for instance, have given states more financial latitude to undertake projects without borrowing for salaries — make APC's continued dominance in 2027 a certainty. The 'motley crowd' complaining today are merely 'frustrated jesters who already smell defeat.'