Fagbenro-Bibire: Reward System, Loyalty, and Electability | By Adekunle Muftau

The race towards the selection of Governor Seyi Makinde-backed candidate for the Ibadan Northwest and Southwest Federal Constituency seat has continued to generate heated conversations among party faithful and residents of the federal constituency.

Several names have surfaced at different times, but the name of Honourable Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire continues to stand firmly in the minds of many people because of his relationship with the grassroots and his long-standing commitment to the party.

As it stands, one important thing Governor Seyi Makinde must carefully consider at this moment is the message the party sends to loyal members who continue to make sacrifices for its stability, and progress

Many people haven’t forgotten so soon when Bibire, in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, was asked to step down for the incumbent during previous political arrangements within the party in the interest of unity and peace.

That decision was not an easy one because many politicians in such situations often feel disappointed and gradually move away from party activities.

Bibire, however, chose a different path by remaining with the party and continuing to defend and support the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration openly across the different spaces.

Party meetings, political gatherings, community programmes, and grassroots mobilisation efforts have continued to witness his active presence and strong commitment to the PDP structure.

No bitterness, no rebellion, and no attempt to weaken the party ever came from him despite not getting any major political appointment after making such sacrifice.

This is the kind of loyalty that deserves recognition because politics becomes difficult when committed party men begin to feel that sacrifice has no reward.

Another issue that deserves serious attention is electability because the major purpose of every political party is to win elections comfortably and retain its strongholds.

The Ibadan Northwest and Southwest Federal Constituency remains one of the strongest bases of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State, and such a federal constituency requires a candidate with deep grassroots support and strong public acceptance.

Many people within the constituency already see Bibire as someone whose nexus with the people did not begin during election season because he has maintained close relationships with every segment of the society ranging from youths, traders, artisans, elders, and community stakeholders for years.

In fact, several residents continue to openly affirm that his name carries weight across polling units because many people already know him through his personal impactful interventions, support programmes, and constant engagement with the grassroots.

That is why many party supporters strongly believe Bibire remains the kind of candidate that can secure victory early on election day without putting unnecessary pressure on the party structure.

Reports within the political space emerged that former lawmaker Saheed Fijabi had earlier been considered for the seat before reports later surfaced that he rejected the arrangement.

That development naturally reopened discussions about who should truly get the ticket, and many people within the constituency immediately returned to the name of Bibire because of his loyalty, visibility, and acceptance among the people.

Governor Seyi Makinde has built a reputation around fairness, political calculation, and rewarding those who stand firmly with the party during difficult moments.

This present moment offers another opportunity to show party members that loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication still carry value within the party.

Giving Bibire the ticket will strengthen confidence among party loyalists, energise the grassroots, and reassure many young supporters that commitment to the party is still respected and appreciated.

At this stage, the decision should go beyond ordinary political arrangements and focus more on merit, acceptance, loyalty, and the ability to deliver victory convincingly for the party.

Many people within the federal constituency already believe that Bibire has paid his dues politically and possesses the support base needed to protect the dominance of Governor Seyi Makinde in Ibadan Northwest and Southwest Federal Constituency.

Adekunle Muftau is a resident of Ibadan Southwest Local Government, Ward 11.

ADVERTISE WITH US

Do you want to reach your targeted audience and expand your brand’s visibility?

Advertise with Polity Reporters to place your “message” before the right audience.

For advertising enquiries, reach us through:

Email: bandcommunications001@gmail.com

Facebook: Polity Reporters

WhatsApp: 07043810558