Don’t run if you’re not ready: A must-read letter to Kwara politicians

In this thought-provoking open letter, Prof. Hassan A. Saliu, renowned Political Scientist from the University of Ilorin, delivers a frank and insightful message to Kwara political aspirants — challenging them to reflect, prepare, and rise to the true demands of leadership.

Introduction

The central mission of this piece is to provoke more discussions among Kwarans around the issue of development in the state. At this point, I want to salute all past Governors of the state and the incumbent for their varied contributions to the development of the State. I know the civilian group fairly well through personal contacts. It is instructive to note that I have been intervening in the state’s affairs for over two decades, driven by my desire to see my state become a shining example in Nigeria’s federation. There is, therefore, nothing pro or anti any political tendencies in my interventions. I really want the best for my state.

Key Issues for Consideration

1. Aspirant’s Level of Preparation

It is inevitable to begin by asking personal questions. Are you ready to tackle the state’s challenges? What level of preparation have you undertaken? Are you ready to face the consequences of your actions? Are you ready for acts of betrayal? Answering these questions within yourself as truthfully as possible, among others, is crucial. It will first tick the box in your political journey.

If, however, everything is not looking bright for you, you can quietly withdraw now and come on stage at another time instead of constituting a nuisance to the political process. And if the issue of defection has been coming up in your mind, note that this is about the best time to take that decision. Any further waste of time on it may not augur well for your current political journey, as everything in politics has its time.

Defections that will take place next year or after may be too late. You need to ask your colleagues who delayed their defections two years ago about their experiences.

2. Contextual Analysis

Try to understand the current state of affairs in the state and the roles of personalities or groups. Do the mapping either sectorally or in terms of the critical influence they wield. Knowing their disposition towards your political project is imperative.

In other words, you can do the SWOT analysis. You need not deceive yourself in this frank session of questioning about your political project. Afterwards, you proceed to identify areas where you can add value.

This will help you avoid being considered an “Imported Governor” or “Representative” who will be relying on others for briefings on every conceivable issue, which may be off the mark most times.

3. Sycophancy and Misinformation

Be cautious of individuals who provide false information to influence your decisions. Verify submissions and provide feedback to combat this issue.

Moreover, now that you are just an aspirant, do not inherit anybody’s enemies at this stage. Please note that sycophancy is a thriving business where people you do not expect to be purveyors of untruths are the major shareholders in the business.

I hope I will have the time in the nearest future to address this issue of sycophancy and its role in retarding progress in our state.

4. Financial Management

Allocations to states have increased, but inflation has offset the gains. Be prepared to manage the economy in a way to make things better for the people.

There are many budget heads that you may need to attend to when you realise your political ambition. Here too, what benefits the people should be your guide in taking some of them off. Always be cost-conscious during the campaigns and after winning your election. Poverty is a living soul in the country.

Moreover, in Kwara State, statistics are helpful, but I invite you to work more with street economics to see the stark realities about it.

5. Godfathers and Political Management

While godfathers can be influential, be aware of potential pitfalls. Develop strategies to manage them effectively while working on how to deliver dividends of democracy to the generality of the people.

Based on happenings in other places, striking this balance is an uphill task in our nation, where control over resources is usually the cause of the rift between a godfather and his godson. Some godfathers are difficult to please, while some godsons are ingrates.

You should advise yourself on what to do on the matter before it is too late. Do not make an attempt to be smart because you can be outsmarted on the issue.

6. Economic Development

Kwara’s economy is weak but has potential. Explore viable sectors to stimulate growth and expansion.

There is a need to always be cost-conscious in project execution. Always strive to balance the supply side with the demand side in the choice of projects to be executed.

7. Recruitment and Governance

Ensure due diligence in choosing people you relate with now and after assuming office. Be more careful in recruiting your political appointees.

Consider a balanced distribution of 50% party men, 20% patronage, and 30% technocrats.

8. Democratic Principles

As you seek employment in the democratic space, demonstrate democratic values from the onset.

It is scarcely necessary to remark that a democratic process can only be successfully piloted by those who are democratic at heart. So, you need this cultivation period to be a convert to true democracy.

9. Citizen Engagement

Communicate with the people in their language, and be prepared to involve them in decision-making processes through structures and platforms.

Taking feedback(s) from the people is absolutely essential. Indeed, I used this aspect of the intrinsic value of democracy to discountenance the Rwandan experiment at the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in 2023.

That is to tell you how citizen engagement is a critical issue in democracy, not physical projects, though important. The Khaki boys also did some projects during their time.

However, rule of law, due process, consultations/conversations, observance of human rights, credible elections, and other elements are the soul of democracy.

10. Campaign Funding

Be mindful of campaign fund sources to avoid compromise. Ensure transparency and comply with relevant laws.

Do not underplay the issue of money in Nigeria’s politics. You need to advise yourself on what to do when the pocket is not deep. That should not be interpreted to mean that I am in support of the illegal use of money in politics. I do not!

Conclusion

I reiterate the point that the motive for sketching out these issues is to stimulate the interest of Kwarans in their state’s affairs, encouraging the aspirants to appreciate the challenges they face in realising their political goals and after.

This is considered important for Kwara to consolidate on the gains of the past in the state and foster a stronger bond between citizens and their government, driving increased development in the state.

Hassan A. Saliu