Soludo And His Entertaining Campaign Train.

By Dr jarlat Uche

Ahead of the November off season election of Anambra state, one would be tempted as usual to make either some permutations based on critical and factual analysis or out of some arm chair emotional and sensational viewing of things. But the truth is, politics in Nigeria is one that isn’t based on verifiable facts but on cronyism, halo effect syndrome and on smart rigging and vote buying.

Based on this, I wouldn’t want to smear my critical thinking with such a floppy and fluid way of political engagement.

I have seen many political campaigns trains, their rhythm, lyrics, drums and “ngabashi” none has been able to equal what Prof. Soludo showcases.

However, many describe him petty, others childish while some in my circle see him as very entertaining, dramatic, full of jabs and shaming, that crack up and push one into an uncontrollable laughter.

He makes campaigns very easy and entertaining. He brings humour to it and diffuses the seriousness of his opponents with “njakiris” that come to him naturally. The candidates of APC and Labour Parties got a full dose of such shaming and denigration which he dishes out with finesse and steeze.

On campaigns trains and delivery, I give him 70%. He ran a campaign of less violence and acrimony. A campaign driven and weaved with humour and rib cracking jabs that speak truth to facts and reality.

Though they come in a very condescending manner, piercing like arrows into the hearts of his opponents but serve most times as ludicrous pills for his audience.

As the Gubernatorial Election comes up this Saturday 8th of November, let the best candidates with the highest votes cast win. If these election were about the best humorous, creative and sublime display of direct connection to the electorates, Soludo would have won the election before the 8th November elections.

He is a perfect description of what a Prof who has flair for comedy, actively in politics looks like.

He is no doubt comical and his seemless delivery of his campaign speeches a good sound to ears. I have neither heard nor seen other contestants during their campaigns as to make an unbiased comparison. However, winning of elections in Nigeria is one project that has a lot of factors involved, not necessarily how effective or otherwise one is.

Soludo may have done fairly well, he may have constructed some good kilometres of roads and other projects for him to be nicknamed “oruatuegwu” ( someone who isn’t intimidated by work) However, he may still lose the forthcoming election despite his flambouyant and obviously organic crowd that characterized his local governments campaign rallies.

Politics in Nigeria is slippery, elections very unpredictable especially this period when the fever of defection is high and the party APC a groom with deep pockets, luring many politicians of easy virtue to their “horney pot”. APC today has become a visa needed to win elections, so many think, the reason for these mindless and uncalled for defection.

It may seem a groove today, a party sort of , creating moments and feelings of jamborees. But the truth is, there could be implosion and every single person in there turned to ashes.

In politics and as well as in football, few minutes and seconds can twist narratives that would be the ace in the hole unexpectedly.

To all those contesting in this 8th November elections, I wish you goodluck and the spirit of sportsmanship to accept defeat if it comes and to be magnanimous in victory when it comes too.

To the masses, don’t get emotionally involved in the fight between politicians as to create real enemies for yourselves. For them they are playing politics, with a skin deep disaffection and disagreement, how, where and when they would settle you won’t know.

Jarlathuche@gmail.com