Fellow Kwarans, this week’s epistle begins with a question, as columnists sometimes inquire about unclear or understandable aspects of life. As a columnist, I don’t claim to understand everything, and I welcome answers to the questions I pose.
Many Kwarans wonder if Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq truly grasps politics, but his track record suggests otherwise. Despite opposition and aggrieved party members’ efforts, he consistently outsmarts them. Notably, Governor AbdulRazaq adopts a reserved approach, prioritizing strategy over rhetoric. no doubt he is an introvert he talk less,This introverted stance often catches his opponents off guard. As an introvert, he exemplifies the quiet strength of those who think deeply and speak sparingly, whereas extroverts often overexpose their tactics.
It seems AbdulRazaq’s low-key nature belies a sharp political mind, leaving many to ponder: does being an introvert give him an edge?
Interestingly, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s opponents often accuse him of not understanding politics, but his track record suggests otherwise. Despite being outspoken, the opposition consistently falls prey to his strategic moves. Their tendency to publicly disclose their plans through radio appearances and press statements ultimately plays into AbdulRazaq’s hands, allowing him to outmaneuver them.
This raises questions about the effectiveness of the opposition’s approach. By being overly vocal, are they inadvertently exposing their tactics and weakening their position? In contrast, AbdulRazaq’s reserved nature seems to work to his advantage, enabling him to stay one step ahead of his opponents.
It’s worth considering whether the opposition’s extroverted approach is actually counterproductive, particularly when faced with an introverted and strategic person like AbdulRazaq. Perhaps a more measured and thoughtful strategy would allow them to better compete with his quiet strength.
The Kwara State local government elections have passed, but their impact still resonates deeply. Regrettably, the process mirrored familiar political patterns of 2017 local government election, offering few surprises. I’ll refrain from dwelling on it, lest I reopen healing wounds. Instead, I’ll focus on today’s business.
Before the elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party, took the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission (KWSIEC) and the state government to court. They challenged the amended electoral law and sought to postpone the election dates. Despite their arguments, the court ruled in favor of KWSIEC and the governor just three days before the election.
Throughout this period, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq adopted a strategic silence, choosing not to engage with the media. His tactics proved effective, as he emerged triumphant. This isn’t the first time AbdulRazaq has demonstrated his political prowess. In 2019, he rose to prominence as the APC governorship candidate despite initial grievances within the party. His commissioner appointments, though criticized for favoring close associates and CPC members, further solidified his position.
AbdulRazaq’s mastery of politics is undeniable. By embracing the 48th law of power – “talk less and allow others to do the talking” he outmaneuvers his opponents. If the opposition fails to adapt, AbdulRazaq’s candidate may emerge victorious in 2027, potentially extending his influence over Kwara State for sixteen years, mirroring Senator Bukola Saraki’s eight-year tenure and Abdulfatah Ahmed’s subsequent eight years. Only time will tell.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s grasp of Nigerian politics exceeds that of his opponents, both within his party and the opposition. His strategic moves have consistently outmaneuvered his challengers, demonstrating a deep understanding of the complex dynamics at play
This mastery of politics, combined with his ability to adapt and evolve, may potentially secure his control over Kwara State for another eight years. This scenario draws parallels with the tenure of former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who maintained a strong grip on the state’s politics for nearly two decade.
Those who underestimate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s political prowess do so at their own peril. Despite constant criticism, he remains calm and composed, rarely responding to attacks. Instead, he listens attentively, instructing his aides to record programs for later review.
A notable example is Honorable Saheed Popoola’s suspension from the Kwara State House of Assembly sometimes last year. Popoola’s weekly radio outbursts preceding the election didn’t deter AbdulRazaq. APC candidates swept every contested position in the last general election.
Similarly, Alhaji Aro, former APC PRO, vented his frustrations on air after losing the chairmanship ticket. He claimed APC deceives people and urged rejection. Yet, no response came, and APC was declared winner of the Offa LG election. This further solidifies AbdulRazaq’s strategic approach.
It seems AbdulRazaq’s silence is often misinterpreted as weakness, but it’s actually a hallmark of his calculated leadership style, which continues to yield results.
Another area where one would think that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq didn’t care about the cry and woes of Kwarans is his numerous “white elephant” projects. These include the Kwara Hotel, International Conference Center, KWIRS Building, Garment Factory, Tanke-bridge and Ilorin Visual Hubs,among others.
Despite the rejection and outcries from opposition parties and civil society organizations across the state, arguing that these aren’t the projects Kwara needs, AbdulRazaq remained resolute. He didn’t change his mind and maintained his focus.
No one has been able to stop him, and one wonders if this is a testament to his political savvy. They say he doesn’t understand politics, but only time will tell.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s political prowess is undeniable, and those who claim he doesn’t understand politics will ultimately have themselves to blame. His impressive track record speaks for itself – from successfully contesting for governor in 2019 .
AbdulRazaq’s strategic leadership and ability to adapt have allowed him to stay ahead of opponents. His re-election in 2023 and appointment as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum further solidifying his influence. Those who underestimate AbdulRazaq’s political acumen do so at their own peril, as history has showed.
How far can he go in controlling the political structure of the state? Will his politics end in 2027 or extend for another eight years, equates with Senator Bukola Saraki’s sixteen years as a political leader in the state? Only time will tell.
If the opposition continues to employ the same tactics, AbdulRazaq’s continued dominance seems likely. However, Nigerian politics is inherently unpredictable, and only time will reveal the outcome.
Will AbdulRazaq’s political strategy prevail, or will the opposition find a way to counter his moves? The future of Kwara State’s politics hangs in the balance.
