Seye Oladejo, a key figure in the Lagos State All Progressives Congress, has described the recent gubernatorial contest in Ekiti State as a crucial message for all political entities. He argued that the results demonstrate that electoral victories are secured at actual polling stations using Permanent Voters Cards rather than through online discourse.
Oladejo emphasized that while digital platforms are useful for sharing information and shaping opinions, they cannot replace the necessity of ground-level mobilization and educating voters. He noted that candidates often mistake large social media followings for genuine electoral power, failing to realize that online popularity does not always translate into votes. According to Oladejo, the modern Nigerian voter is increasingly independent, evaluating candidates based on their track record, competence, and ability to solve real-world problems rather than viral trends.
He further remarked that democratic success relies on physical engagement, including house-to-house campaigns and direct community consultation. He warned political parties that ignoring grassroots work in favor of online grandstanding risks failure. As the country looks toward the 2027 general elections, Oladejo maintains that politicians must shift their focus back to building trust with the electorate and ensuring citizens are prepared to use their PVCs. Ultimately, he concluded that in the Nigerian political landscape, the ballot remains the only true measure of influence.
