IBADAN — Journalist and public affairs commentator, Suyi Ayodele, has urged Nigerians to reduce their expectations from political leaders and make wiser electoral choices ahead of the coming elections, warning that many politicians have consistently failed the people after securing power.
Ayodele stated this in his Tuesday column titled “Hope, Hurt and the Coming Elections,” published in the Nigerian Tribune.
Drawing inspiration from 18th-century English poet, Alexander Pope, the columnist referenced the popular quote: “Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed,” to underscore what he described as the repeated disappointments Nigerians suffer from political leaders.
The writer also referenced a viral video of a 99-year-old British woman allegedly abandoned by her children in a care home after they persuaded her to sell her property and shared the proceeds among themselves.
According to him, the emotional story reflects the reality of many elderly people who sacrifice everything for their children only to be neglected later in life.
Ayodele compared the experience of the elderly woman to the relationship between Nigerians and their political leaders, arguing that citizens have continually entrusted politicians with their future only to be abandoned after elections.
He criticised what he described as “worthless constituency projects” by some public office holders, citing instances where lawmakers allegedly distributed items such as grinding machines, wheelbarrows, cutlasses, fabrics and shoe-making kits as empowerment programmes.
The columnist also faulted the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the state of the economy, insecurity and the healthcare sector.
According to him, many Nigerians are battling hardship occasioned by inflation and economic policies, while government responses have largely been limited to palliatives.
Ayodele further condemned the condition of public hospitals in the country, recalling that the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, allegedly suffered a prolonged electricity crisis that affected its mortuary facilities.
He also criticised political leaders for embarking on foreign medical trips while Nigeria’s health institutions continue to deteriorate.
The columnist questioned the frequency of President Tinubu’s foreign travels, particularly to France, arguing that such trips have not translated into visible improvements for ordinary Nigerians.
He equally accused many state governors of abandoning governance in their states while insecurity persists across the country.
Speaking on the political atmosphere ahead of the next elections, Ayodele said many politicians seeking re-election had little or no achievements to justify another term in office.
He referenced former Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, and Lagos lawmaker, Desmond Elliot, while discussing what he described as the recycling of political actors.
Ayodele urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and resist politicians who return during election periods with “peanuts” taken from public resources.
He warned that worsening hardship, business failures and mental health challenges among citizens were signs of growing frustration in the country.
The columnist advised Nigerians to “take their destiny in their own hands” by supporting credible alternatives and making informed electoral choices rather than relying on politicians who have repeatedly failed to deliver on their promises.
Quoting Yoruba and Ifa philosophical teachings, Ayodele maintained that individuals must ultimately rely on their destiny and personal choices rather than excessive expectations from others.
He concluded by saying Nigeria could regain its lost greatness if citizens vote wisely and embrace a new political direction.
Credit:Suyi Ayodele, Nigerian Tribune
