The Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, popularly known as MAO, has urged residents of Egbaland to heed the warnings issued by human rights lawyer Femi Falana about the dangers of flawed political party primaries, emphasizing that such processes threaten the integrity of democracy in Nigeria. Speaking during the eighth annual lecture of Penpushing Media in Abeokuta, Owolabi stressed that credible elections begin with transparent and inclusive party primaries, especially as preparations intensify for the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. He warned that when candidates are imposed and party members’ voices are ignored, democracy is undermined even before the general election begins.
Owolabi, who also serves as Chairman of the Egba Agenda Forum, argued that a defective primary process leads to a government lacking moral legitimacy and genuine accountability. He cited the recent selection of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola as the preferred APC governorship aspirant, stating that the process had sidelined credible indigenous Egba candidates who have proven track records of service to Nigeria. According to him, the issue is not about personal grievances but about justice, equity, and the preservation of democratic principles.
“The fact that accomplished Egba sons and daughters who have served Nigeria with distinction are being pushed aside through a process many believe lacked fairness is deeply troubling,” Owolabi said. He emphasized that democracy is about competition, not coronation or imposition. He further clarified that the MAO Movement for Change has never opposed the aspiration of Ogun West to produce the state’s governor, but insisted that such an opportunity must arise through a transparent and democratic process that reflects the will of party members and the people.
Owolabi also stressed that Ogun State deserves a leader whose roots, identity, and commitment to the state are beyond question. He cautioned against allowing the governorship to become a subject of controversy over identity or political imposition. He called on traditional institutions, opinion leaders, professional groups, civil society organizations, and all lovers of democracy in Egbaland to defend fairness and internal democracy. Remaining silent in the face of perceived imposition, he warned, would erode the future of democratic governance in the state.
“Electoral integrity starts with credible party primaries,” Owolabi reiterated. “Once the foundation is compromised, governance itself becomes compromised. Right-thinking members of society must reject every form of imposition and insist that the people’s voice remains supreme.” He concluded by urging all political stakeholders to prioritize the interests of Ogun State over personal ambitions, insisting the state deserves leadership born from fairness, transparency, and genuine democratic choice. As the 2027 election approaches, the call for credible primaries is expected to gain more traction among civic groups and political observers across the region.
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