…Binani has a higher name recognition statewide and nationwide than the incumbent governor of the State. The “Sai Matannan” mantra has become an Anthem of some sort here in Adamawa State. Our leaders have also demonstrated uncommon determination to take over the state…
…National and even International figures have indicated interest to come for the flag-off because our gubernatorial candidate, we shall definitely provide them a venue that is both befitting and safe; the field arrangement and event management would be breathtaking; the serenity would be classic; the security would be top-notch, nothing will be left to chance…
By Ahmad Sajoh
Since I wrote a piece on the denial of a venue for the gubernatorial flag-off to the APC, I have received several phone calls and messages, many very positive but a few not so positive.
I have also seen the explanation by the state government as to the reason for the denial. Some of the misguided responses by government apologists is that as a member of the Presidential Campaign Council, my concern should be just the presidential campaign.
This is the most ridiculous of all responses. Whereas the PDP is forced to separate their campaign councils at the National and state levels due to rebellion within its ranks, the APC has a unified campaign council, which is the ideal.
The Presidential Campaign Council is for all APC candidates across the country. The gubernatorial campaign council is an offshoot of the PCC. Our concept of “APC SAK” is still our mantra. That’s why our serving Governors and Candidates are coordinating the campaigns at the state level.
We do not expect the PDP to understand this because some of their governors have broken ranks with their candidates and not all their candidates are on the same page.
Some operatives of government have descended to name calling and even insults. I just laughed over such responses knowing that people in a panic mode hardly rationalize anything.
My writeup addressed the government as an institution not individuals. I cannot and do not descend to the low level of irrational name calling.
Some of us have matured enough in public discourse that we keep to bounds of rationality and reason. But then maturity, rationality and reason are not cheap commodities so we do not expect everyone to have them.
At present, we have put the unfortunate incident to the past and have found several other options for the symbolic flag-off.
The Polo ground in Yola Town represents a good alternative, although we are seriously taking a second look at the features of the place vis-à-vis our requirements. Everything about it is very good except that the lush green grass and the flower beds may make us reconsider using the place.
Looking at the promise of one of the largest gatherings to be seen in recent times and how the crowd may destroy this natural scenery, we may opt to go elsewhere. There are other options available to us and we shall consider them as well.
Right in the middle of Jimeta is a vast arena that is both open and ideal. We are considering the limitless possibility of moulding it to our taste and creating both beauty and style.
Some other options have also been suggested to us. A venue for the event is definitely available. But does the venue really matter?
Yes it does, but it is not a metaphor for the success of a candidate in an election. Where we conduct our flag-off cannot and should not determine our success at the polls.
The campaign flag-off is just a symbolic gesture. The real deal is the strategy we have for winning the elections and for ensuring the success of all our candidates.
That strategy will not be affected by where we hold our flag-off. It would be determined by the quality of our candidates and our collective determination to succeed. On both counts we are positive. We have formidable candidates and a determined followership.
Any venue we eventually choose may be one that will provide us a secure environment for the large turnout we expect.
Many of our party faithfuls are calling for a flag-off that may be a replica of the mammoth crowd that came out to welcome our candidate, Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani when she returned to Yola following her victory at the Court of Appeal. That home coming was impromptu, this one is planned. So we expect a much higher turn out. Many people who couldn’t make it that time have indicated interest to make it this time around.
We shall definitely provide them a venue that is both befitting and safe. Moreover several National and even International figures have indicated interest to come for the flag-off because our gubernatorial candidate represents hope for Nigerian women to break the glass ceiling and make history.
We are not going to disappoint them assuredly. The arrangements and the decor would be breathtaking. The serenity will be classic. The security will be top-notch. Nothing will be left to chance.
Another issue that has agitated our party faithfuls has been the itinerary of our campaigns. From the 9th of January to March when the gubernatorial election would hold, we have a period of more than 50 days. Even if we dedicate a day or so to each Local Government Area, we would have enough time to go round the state twice or visit most if not all the electoral wards of the state.
Moreover, our election management committee has developed a more robust strategic plan that makes our engagements with the public multifaceted and all encompassing.
Our campaigns would be knowledge driven and scientific. It’s not going to be all noise, no substance. We shall plant hope on our campaign trail and harvest success at the polls in the end.
Our campaign council recognizes the dynamism of our party structure especially at the grassroots. The APC structure has demonstrated uncommon resilience even at a time when the fluidity of political allegiance has become a common phenomenon all over the country.
After the loss of leadership in 2019 and a few defections by our elected leaders thereafter, it is highly commendable that our party faithfuls had remained intact and our grassroots structure is stronger than the ruling party in most of the Local Government Areas of the state.
Our gubernatorial candidate Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani has a higher name recognition statewide and nationwide than the incumbent governor of the State. The “Sai Matannan” mantra has become an Anthem of some sort here in Adamawa State. Our leaders have also demonstrated uncommon determination to take over the state. On a daily basis all of them are involved in strategic engagements with their followers and supporters calling on them to ensure the success of the party at the next election. Success will definitely reward our patience and determination.
The APC candidates for various offices from Senatorial, to the House of Representatives and State House of Assembly are also formidable politicians and highly visible people. With them we have winning teams in every constituency and at every level.
It is precisely for this reason that we believe any venue we use for our flag-off will symbolize our success at the next election. Such a venue, which would be decided upon soon among the many options we have would be unveiled to our supporters and party faithfuls as soon as possible and it will definitely be a fitting rendezvous for all our candidates to showcase their political acumen and the strength of our party as we commence our journey to reclaiming the tenancy of Government House Dougirei as well as our majority of Senators, members of the House of Representatives and the state House of Assembly. That would be the core message of our flag-off on the 9th of January 2023.