0
0
“Political Realities Compel Return Tickets for Osun Lawmakers — Sehinde”
0
0
“Political Realities Compel Return Tickets for Osun Lawmakers — Sehinde ”
By Waliu Adetokun Osogbo
Political strategist Abbas Sehinde has urged the leadership of the Osun Accord to consider granting automatic second-term tickets to serving lawmakers, saying their loyalty and sacrifices during difficult political moments in the state should not be overlooked.
In an article titled “Osun Accord: Imperative of Legislative Second Terms,” Sehinde argued that the current political realities within the party and the Osun State Government make the return of incumbent lawmakers a necessary decision.
According to him, the matter goes beyond personal relationships, zoning arrangements or assessments of individual performance.
“The status quo with the Osun State Government and Accord leadership compels automatic return tickets for members of the State Assembly and the House of Representatives,” he stated.
Sehinde said members of the Osun State House of Assembly remained loyal to Governor Ademola Adeleke at a period when, according to him, there were intense political pressures and alleged financial inducements aimed at destabilising the administration.
“At a time billions of naira were allegedly being offered to topple the governor, they stood their ground and vowed loyalty to the state leadership,” he said.
He maintained that the lawmakers demonstrated commitment and political courage by refusing to betray the administration despite what he described as “tremendous temptation.”
“The Adeleke family and the party owe them a lot. No reasonable leader will abandon such loyal allies,” Sehinde added.
The political strategist warned that denying the lawmakers return tickets could create internal divisions capable of threatening the party’s stability ahead of future elections.
“Their tenure will not expire until June or July 2027. If loyal lawmakers who stood firm during difficult times are pushed aside, it could create bitterness and dangerous political consequences,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with recent political developments in Rivers State involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Sehinde noted that lawmakers possess enormous political influence that should not be underestimated.
Speaking on members of the House of Representatives, he said they also rejected attractive offers and political incentives to defect at a critical period for the party.
“It took rare courage to reject tempting offers, including promises of juicy committee positions and automatic tickets elsewhere,” he stated.
He further claimed that some lawmakers allegedly suffered political setbacks at the federal level because of their refusal to abandon the party.
Despite his support for automatic tickets, Sehinde advised the Accord leadership to carefully manage the process in order to avoid resentment among aspirants.
“The lawmakers who may benefit from automatic tickets must also show humility and be ready for reconciliation with other stakeholders,” he said.
He recommended compensation arrangements, negotiations and possible appointments for aggrieved aspirants, adding that some former appointees who resigned to pursue political ambitions could be considered during a cabinet reshuffle.
According to him, constituencies without incumbents should be allowed to produce candidates through consultations involving local stakeholders.
“In areas where there are no incumbents, the leadership should allow collective decisions at the grassroots level. That will strengthen unity and encourage collective commitment toward victory,” he said.
Sehinde stressed the need for the party to avoid internal crises ahead of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State.
“The governorship election is fast approaching, and the party must go into the polls with a united front. The entire process must be handled with caution, fairness and strategic planning,” he added.
He expressed optimism that with proper management and sincere reconciliation efforts, the party could emerge stronger and more united after its candidate selection process.
