As the 2024 gubernatorial election in Edo State approaches, the political landscape is heating up. Candidates from various parties are gearing up for a fierce battle, each vying for the coveted position of governor. However, amidst the fervor, it is crucial to step back and consider the bigger picture, which is invariably the long-term well-being of Edo State and its citizens.
The reason for the foregoing view cannot be far fetched as campaigns often take a negative turn, with candidates resorting to smear tactics, character assassination, and spreading false information about their opponents. This phenomenon, known as the “campaign of calumny,” undermines the democratic process. Instead of engaging in healthy debates about policies, development, and governance, politicians engage in mudslinging, hoping to tarnish their opponents’ reputations.
It is noteworthy to opine in this context that this piece could not have come at a better time than now as campaign of calumny distracts from real issues been faced by the state and Edolites. In fact, when campaigns focus on personal attacks, they divert attention away from critical issues affecting the state. Therefore, it is germane to remind all gubernatorial aspirants ahead of the next election that voters deserve substantive discussions about education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
Also, campaign of calumny erodes public trust in the political system as the people become disillusioned when they witness candidates engaging in character assassination rather than presenting viable solutions. Not only that, campaign of calumny polarizes society as it creates divisions among the people, instead of uniting them around common goals. Worst still, it fosters animosity and hinders progress.
Amidst the noise of political campaigns, we must elevate our perspective. Edo State is more than just a battleground for power, even as it is bigger than each and every politician in the state; it is a vibrant community with diverse needs and aspirations.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is pragmatic to opine in this context that all Edolites should focus on the bigger picture that cut across education, rising food prices, infrastructure and healthcare.
The reason for the foregoing view cannot be far fetched as education is the bedrock of progress. As we head into the 2024 election in Edo, let all prospective voters in the state begin to demand concrete explanations from the aspirants on how they plan to improve our schools, train teachers, and provide quality education for all as there is no denying the fact that an educated populace is an empowered one.
Again, there is the need for Edolites to interrogate any aspirant that is at the moment persuading them to vote for him on how he plans addressing the issue of rising food prices head-on. This is as the recent surge in food prices has hit consumers hard. In fact, they should interrogate candidates on how they would ensure food security, stabilize prices, and support farmers.
In a similar vein, voters should demand from the aspirants on how they intend bettering the state of infrastructure that cut across roads, electricity, water supply in the state as these are the lifelines of any state. As gubernatorial election beckons in the state, there is an urgent need for Edolites to evaluate candidates based on their commitment to infrastructure development. The reason for the foregoing call cannot be far fetched as a well-connected Edo will unarguably benefits everyone.
Not only that, aspiring candidates to Osadebay House should be interrogated at every given campaign venue or whistle stop on how they intend providing accessible and affordable healthcare, and also in the areas of healthcare infrastructure, medical personnel, and disease prevention when elected to become governor in the state as they are non-negotiable.
Without a doubt, there is an urgent need for Edolites, ahead of the next election, to imbibe the behavior of dispelling the shadows of campaign of calumny, especially now that the political landscape in Edo State is heating up. This is as Edolites, like citizens everywhere, deserve a fair and honest electoral process.
To explanatorily put it, it is expedient to opine that campaign of calumny involves spreading false information, distorting facts, and tarnishing the reputation of political opponents. Unfortunately, this tactic has become all too common during election seasons in the State. Instead of focusing on policies, achievements, and vision, some politicians resort to mudslinging.
In fact, when politicians engage in character assassination, they undermine the democratic process. Given the foregoing view, it is expedient to remind all gubernatorial aspirants, ahead of the next election in Edo State, that voters deserve accurate information to make informed decisions. The reason for the foregoing view cannot be far fetched as campaign of calumny clouds the issues, distracts from substantive debates, and erodes public trust. It perpetuates a toxic environment where personal attacks take precedence over governance.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is germane to recall that past gubernatorial elections in the State have witnessed political situations where aspirants faced baseless attacks as their capabilities and characters were questioned through falsehoods and distortions. However, it is crucial to recognize that populism and wide acceptability should not be overshadowed by smear campaigns. In fact, as responsible Edolites, we must demand better by taking some steps to counter the campaign of calumny been orchestrated by some aspirants and their supporters ahead of the forthcoming election in the State.
In taking the steps, it is expedient to always verify the authenticity of what aspirants and their followers say concerning their opponents before believing or sharing any information. This is as falsehoods thrive when they are not interrogated.
In a similar vein, it is incumbent on all Edolites to focus on policies by shifting the conversation from personal attacks to policy discussions. Thus, our conversations ahead of the next election in the state should revolve around what the candidates’ plans for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation?
Again, it is germane to opine that when politicians engage in smear campaigns, that they should be called out. Demand that they address issues rather than resorting to character assassination.
Without a doubt, it is expedient for Edolites, whether aspirants or supporters, to always engage Issue-based debates as they encourage candidates to participate in debates centered on their visions and plans. To aptly put it, voters deserve substantive discussions.
Against the foregoing backdrop, it is expedient to plead, that Edolites should rise above the noise of calumny. Our State deserves leaders who prioritize integrity, transparency, and progress. As we approach the next election, let us choose wisely and reject campaigns that tarnish our democracy. Together, we can build a brighter future for Edo State.
