The MATO Strategic Media Team has cautioned an opposing political figure against making threats against members of the emerging Rainbow Coalition in Ondo South.
The team stressed that political competition should be driven by ideas, performance, persuasion and public acceptance, not intimidation, the involvement of prominent political figures such as Nyesom Wike and Bukola Saraki in the wider political conversation should not become an excuse for anyone to threaten those who freely choose to associate with or support the coalition.
The political atmosphere in Ondo State is changing, and the growing pattern of cross-party alliances makes this clear.
Several political parties and groups are reportedly expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in recognition of the achievements and developmental efforts of Gov. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa in the state.
If members of different political parties can rally behind President Tinubu because of their assessment of the Governor’s performance, it is equally legitimate for APC members and supporters in Ondo South to support MATO, the PDP senatorial candidate, based on their conviction about his candidacy. Political affiliation should not become a barrier to independent political judgement.
More importantly, no one should introduce ethnic undertones into a contest that ought to be determined by democratic principles. Ondo South is predominantly Yoruba, with the Yoruba constituting the overwhelming majority of its population.
This calls for political sensitivity, mutual respect and an understanding of the district’s cultural identity. However, the right to participate in politics is not determined by ethnicity. Every Nigerian, regardless of origin, is entitled to seek public office and participate in political activities, provided such participation respects the people and their democratic rights. No aspirant should use threats or ethnic sentiments to intimidate others.
Rather than threatening members of the Rainbow Coalition or APC supporters who have chosen to back MATO, the opposing aspirant should demonstrate his capacity through a verifiable record of service.
What tangible achievements can he point to from his previous positions? How have those positions improved the lives of ordinary people? What enduring benefits can the people of Ondo South identify with his public service? These are the questions that deserve answers. Political strength is better measured by performance, credibility and public acceptance than by threats or provocative statements.
The Senate is not a throne, and the electorate is not anyone’s political possession. Hon. Mathew Oye Oyerinmade (MATO), the PDP senatorial candidate, has every right to seek the mandate of Ondo South. Equally, APC members, supporters of other political parties and independent political actors have the right to support him if they believe in his candidacy.
The Rainbow Coalition represents the freedom of people from different political backgrounds to find common ground around a shared political objective. Neither Wike’s name nor the presence of APC supporters in that coalition should be presented as a threat to anyone.
Our message is simple: stop the threats and demonstrate capacity. Let candidates present their records, defend their ideas and convince the electorate. Ondo South deserves quality representation, political maturity and an atmosphere where people can make their choices without fear or intimidation. The people’s mandate must be earned through service and persuasion, not demanded through threats.
©️MATO Strategic Media Team