2027 elections: Vote based on competence, Dr. Oladeji Johnbrown charges Ogbomoso electorate

2027 elections: Vote based on competence, Dr. Oladeji Johnbrown charges Ogbomoso electorate

Yinka ADETUNJI

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A community leader in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, has urged voters to scrutinise candidates’ track records, competence, and commitment to grassroots development

A community leader, Dr. Akin Oladeji JohnBrown, has urged electorates across Ogbomoso, Oyo State, to prioritise competence, integrity, and proven performance as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Dr. JohnBrown, in a statement made available to Ogbomoso Insight Online on Saturday, said voters must critically assess candidates individually, focusing on their records, political pedigree, capacity for effective representation and attachment to the community.

“As we prepare for another general election in Nigeria, I am deeply concerned about how our Ogbomoso will progress and benefit more on social and economic development. Our development partly depends largely on the quality of people we elect to represent us in a democracy.

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“Our people should not be swayed by the colours of the political parties presenting candidates. Rather, they should consider the competence, political pedigree, antecedents, and commitment of each contestant to the development of our community.

“Candidates should be evaluated on their individual merits, personalities, histories, and records of service, not merely on the platforms on which they seek election. This time around, competence must be our focus,” he said.

The community leader noted that Ogbomoso had witnessed visible contributions from notable political figures, including the late Premier, Chief Ladoke Akintola; former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala; and Senator Ayo Adeseun, particularly in community development and human capital advancement.

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He also acknowledged the infrastructural contributions of some serving political officeholders, including Senator Fatai Buhari and Alhaji Open Salawu.

However, Dr. JohnBrown expressed concern that personal and political interests of elective officers and political office holders appeared to have overtaken the collective interests of the community, arguing that the performance records of some recent representatives raised legitimate questions about their tangible impact on Ogbomosoland.

He cautioned voters against the bandwagon effect and the tendency to support candidates simply because they belong to a political party and usual “once in four years “empowering rituals. According to him, candidates seeking elective offices must be subjected to proper scrutiny and assessed against clear, measurable key performance indicators (KPIs).

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“I repeat: competence should be the watchword. We must not sacrifice competence on the altar of affiliation or godfatherism. Otherwise, we risk electing representatives who will become political benchwarmers rather than effective voices for our people.

“When the people we elect to represent us are weak or lack the capacity to perform, they may end up occupying positions without making meaningful contributions. That will not augur well for the development of our communities in Ogbomoso,” he warned.

Dr. JohnBrown further questioned the visibility and accessibility of some elected representatives, particularly those serving at the state legislative and local government levels.

“As an instance, who are the people representing us in the legislative arm presently, especially at the state level? I do not know most of them, nor do I see them in the community, even when I served as President of the Ogbomoso Recreation Club (ORC) for four years. Yet, we have people representing us there,” he observed.

He, however, clarified that his comments represented his personal opinion and were not intended to prejudice or unfairly judge any serving officeholder.

The immediate past President of the Ogbomoso Recreation Club stressed that the ultimate objective of political participation should be to ensure that Ogbomoso emerges as a major beneficiary of democratic governance

According to him, electoral victory must translate into tangible improvements in infrastructure, human capital development, economic opportunities, and the general welfare of the people.

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“Ogbomoso should be both benefactor and beneficiary of the political process. When we vote, we must consciously choose candidates who can translate electoral victories into the development we earnestly desire, not individuals who disappear from the community immediately after winning elections.

“Our votes must count for development, effective representation, and the future of our people. Let us scrutinise the candidates, assess their records, and make informed choices. Let us be wise,” Dr. JohnBrown concluded.