An Open Letter to Barrister Sarafadeen Alli

Numero Uno, I congratulate you on the mandate, handed over by your party as the governorship candidate of APC in Oyo state - a state where south west politics was birthe and resides till date. Oyo state politics is complex and unique.

Your victory at the primary is, without doubt, a testament to the divine favour and trust people have placed in you.

The anxiety over the APC governorship primary election has passed. The tension has visibly eased and all glory to the Almighty God for your success.

But it is not over until it is truly over. Your ability to celebrate with moderation and to extend goodwill to your opponents is essential to securing victory in the general election.

On this premise, I urge you to abandon the “winner takes all” mentality and embrace the spirit of “no victor, no vanquished.” 

Just as you need the support of your primary supporters, you also need the cooperation of your opponents. Your response to this victory should be geared toward calming frayed nerves. Some people, covertly or overtly, are unhappy that you emerged as the winner. You can still win their hearts for the tougher task ahead.

Your words and actions will be closely watched. Be humble in victory. Accord your opponents due respect, make them feel valued, and honestly co-opt them into your team. No election, no matter the leverage of the process, is completely free from suspicion, allegations, and innuendo. If you were in their position, you would likely question the process as well. By nature, every mas has little or no "immunity" to defeat. 

To achieve your goal, publish an open appreciation letter in the daily newspapers addressed to all your opponents, meet them personally, reach out to the media, community elders and never neglect your base - the people who stood by you throughout.

These are the steps to mend fences. 

With everyone on board, your path to victory in the general election will be much clearer.

Above all, let your campaign focus on issues, not calumny. Exercise restraint even under provocation. If other parties resort to tantrums, let your response remain civil and reflect the Omoluabi ethos. On no account should you accuse or insult the incumbent governor.

Comrade Lekan