In a recent statement, the Lagos State opposition gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, revealed that he believes he could have won the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial election if not for the influence of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party. According to Jandor, the so-called “Peter Obi effect” had a significant impact on the outcome of the election, especially within the state.
Understanding the “Peter Obi Effect”
The “Peter Obi effect” refers to the widespread support and enthusiasm that the former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, garnered during the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria. His candidacy inspired millions, especially the youth, to rally behind him in what was perceived as a movement for change and a break from the traditional political order. Obi’s popularity surged across Nigeria, and it was particularly evident in the southwestern region, including Lagos State.
Jandor, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attributes his failure to unseat the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to the wave of support for Peter Obi that swept across the nation. He believes that while he had the potential to secure a victory, the strong backing for Obi’s presidential bid created a divide among the opposition voters, ultimately weakening his own chances in the Lagos race.
The Election Landscape in Lagos
Lagos State has long been a stronghold for the APC, with its former governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being one of the most influential politicians in the country. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who succeeded Tinubu as Lagos State governor, ran for re-election in 2023. Despite facing opposition from Jandor, who campaigned vigorously on a platform of change, transparency, and development, Sanwo-Olu secured a second term in office.
The election in Lagos was highly competitive, with Jandor and other opposition candidates attempting to break the APC’s dominance in the state. However, the emergence of Peter Obi and his supporters, who predominantly favored a new direction in Nigerian politics, significantly affected the voting dynamics. According to Jandor, many of the opposition voters were swayed by Obi’s presidential campaign, which diverted attention from the gubernatorial race and diluted the opposition’s collective strength.
Jandor’s Perspective on the Election Results
Reflecting on the 2023 election, Jandor pointed out that despite his robust campaign and promises of good governance, the unforeseen effect of Obi’s popularity among Lagosians had a profound impact on the outcome. He acknowledged that Obi’s candidacy energized young people, many of whom were drawn to his message of a new Nigeria, resulting in a fragmentation of votes among opposition groups.
Jandor emphasized that while the PDP had a strong base in Lagos, the divided opposition vote between him and Peter Obi supporters ultimately benefited Sanwo-Olu and the APC. According to him, the presence of the “Obi wave” prevented the opposition from uniting behind a single candidate, which in turn allowed the APC to maintain control over the state.
The Role of Youth and Social Media
One of the most significant factors in the rise of the “Peter Obi effect” was the role of youth and social media in amplifying his message. Peter Obi’s candidacy was heavily supported by young Nigerians who were disillusioned with the traditional political class and sought to change the status quo. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook became powerful tools for rallying support and mobilizing people for the Labour Party.
This new wave of political engagement, particularly among the youth, caught the attention of established political parties, including the PDP. Jandor, in his reflections, noted that while the youth played a crucial role in the campaign, their loyalty to Obi created a challenge for opposition candidates like himself. Many young people who would have likely supported a change in Lagos governance ended up backing Obi, leaving Jandor with a fragmented support base.
Moving Forward: Jandor’s Plans for Lagos
Despite the setbacks in the 2023 election, Jandor has remained committed to his vision of improving governance in Lagos State. He has continued to speak out about the need for better infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation in the state. While the 2023 election did not go as he hoped, Jandor’s resolve to bring positive change to Lagos remains strong.
Jandor has also emphasized the importance of unity among opposition parties if they are to challenge the dominance of the APC in future elections. He believes that only through collaboration and strategic alliances will the opposition be able to present a formidable challenge to the ruling party.
The Future of Lagos Politics
Jandor’s candidacy in the 2023 Lagos gubernatorial election brought a fresh perspective to the state’s political landscape. While the “Peter Obi effect” played a role in diminishing his chances of winning, it also highlighted the growing desire among Nigerians, particularly the youth, for political change. The Lagos elections are a reminder of the shifting dynamics in Nigerian politics, where voters, especially the younger generation, are becoming more vocal and engaged.
As Jandor looks ahead to future political opportunities, his focus will likely remain on bridging divides and uniting the opposition to challenge the established political order. The 2023 election may have been a setback, but it has also set the stage for further political engagement and transformation in Lagos and beyond.
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Written By Fortune Davidson