Ahead of the primary elections, and with the national mood leaning toward “let my town, tribe, or region have it” as a mark of victory to pursue at all costs, I want to remind us that Tinubu’s presidency has not made most Yoruba people comfortable, let alone rich.
This is not to downplay the legitimate struggle for fair representation or to ignore exclusion and marginalization. But we must look in the mirror and realize that while having “our kinsman as king” carries emotional significance, it does not automatically bring collective prosperity. The biggest beneficiaries are usually the politician’s immediate family, relatives, and close friends.
For example, despite the presidencies of Jonathan and Buhari, many of their own relatives remain poor to this day.
The hope, faith, emotions, and time we invest in politics have no guaranteed reward. Tinubu is in power now, yet thousands of Yoruba still lack jobs or a means of survival.
So, banking on an Atiku, Obi, or Kwankwaso victory as the thing that will change our lives may be fantasy or illusion.
High anti-government sentiment is almost inevitable. There are more people outside government than in it, and countless rivals and their supporters waiting for a change in power to find relevance.
Politics cannot employ everyone, and no leader can satisfy the growing number of citizens relying on politics for survival.
For instance, the governor of my state, Gov. Umar Bago, is from Bida like me, yet I’m still hustling and not rich.😀
Let’s tread softly🙏
Bagudu Mohammed can be reached at bagudumohammed15197@gmail.com
