When Political Calculations Ignore the Mood of the Masses

By Gbenga Akanbi

I sometimes wonder why some people are so determined to expend valuable energy discussing issues that, in the grand scheme of things, may amount to little or nothing.

Even if the supposedly leaked letter is genuine, the political implications of Turaki accepting such an outcome melted out to him in APC would be enormous. It would, in my view, amount to political suicide, particularly given the level of affection and goodwill he enjoys among and within the masses.

Senator Saliu Mustapha has built something that goes beyond the traditional structure of party politics. He has developed organic followers. People who are not necessarily politicians, party members, or political actors, but who genuinely identify with his leadership and political trajectory.

That kind of support is difficult to manufacture and even more difficult to replace.

For that reason, it would be a grave political miscalculation for Saliu Mustapha not to be on the ballot in 2027. In politics, particularly in a highly competitive environment, perception, momentum and the emotional connection between a politician and the electorate matter enormously.

Ultimately, political decisions should not be made in isolation from the mood of the people. The masses are watching, and their expectations cannot simply be wished away by political manoeuvring.

2027 will not only be about political structures; it will also be about the strength of the connection between candidates and the people.