We must recommit to the spirit of ‘Otoge’ in 2023, says AbdulRazaq

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Kwara

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Thursday warned that the state must not be allowed to go back to the era where one single individual controls the destiny of the people.

According to him, the All Progressives Congress (APC) must recommit to the spirit of ‘Otoge’, which was the rallying point for the uprooting of the former ruling dynasty in the state.

AbdulRazaq spoke at a one-day capacity building seminar on the new Electoral Act 2022 for political office holders aspiring for elective offices in the state. 

Represented by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, the governor said: “To win the 2023 election, all of us must recommit ourselves to the whole essence and spirit of Otoge. We must remind ourselves always that Kwara cannot go back to the era where the destiny of our people was tied to some single individual.

“We may disagree as progressives. That is normal. But we must never lose focus of the burden of history.”

AbdulRazaq also called for unity, peaceful conduct, discipline, fairness, selflessness, and respect for the rule of law ahead of the APC primaries.

He said: “Whatever happens at the primaries, please remember that this is one family and everyone belongs in the room.”

The governor charged political office holders aspiring for elective offices to go through the new electoral act and not run foul of the law, describing the new provisions in the Act as quite revolutionary. 

“This gathering is very important for our party. As you may have noticed, the new electoral act has redefined how election is conducted in Nigeria. For political parties, the new electoral act calls for discipline and respect for internal democracy and rule of law. It shuts the door against impunity of all kinds. That is the way to go if we want our democracy to grow.

“I urge everyone to go through the new electoral act because ignorance is not an excuse in law. There are new provisions in the Act that are quite revolutionary. They could undo whatever efforts of any political party or candidates if we run foul of them.

“It is on this note that I send my best wishes to all our appointees who are leaving to contest for elective offices. That is in the spirit of Section 84 (12) of the Act.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Roland Otaru, who also addressed the gathering, stressed the need for thorough screening of candidates ahead of the general elections to comply with the provisions of the Electoral Act and reduce post-election litigations. 

Otaru advised political office holders seeking elective positions to obey all the provisions of the new electoral law and avoid any contravention. 

A Professor of Political Science, Hassan Saliu, who spoke on internal democracy and cohesion, harped on strict respect to internal democracy in line with the 1999 constitution, party constitution, Electoral Act 2022, INEC regulations and support of members of political parties to avoid internal wrangling. 

“Running a party is liking running a public institution guided by laws. A party is said to be operating internal democracy if it allows all its layers and structures to operate freely,” he said.

Prof. Saliu also encouraged politicians to play the game in the overall interest of the people and advance the cause of development of the society. 

A retired INEC Secretary, Dr Mudashir Mustapha called for credible process rooted in internal democracy and effective management of party primaries.