President Bola Tinubu should separate the All Progressives Congress campaign structure from government to prevent the abuse of public office, according to ARISE News Analyst, Dayo Sobowale.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Sobowale backed former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso’s criticism of the composition of the APC’s 2027 campaign council, describing it as a rational and patriotic warning that the administration should consider.
He said the campaign council’s size was unwieldy, arguing that attempts to achieve broad geographical representation could undermine its effectiveness.
According to him, the administration must maintain a clear distinction between the party’s operations and the machinery of government.
“You must be able to separate party from governance and government.”
Sobowale said the involvement of serving government officials in the campaign structure could raise concerns about the use of government apparatus for partisan political activities.
“You cannot go and use government apparatus to campaign. It’s unethical. It’s just not done.”
He urged the administration not to dismiss Kwankwaso’s criticism simply because it came from an opposition politician, arguing that the substance of the message should be considered independently of the messenger.
Sobowale described Kwankwaso’s position as logical, rational and patriotic, saying the government should listen to the criticism rather than politicise it.
“They better listen, even though they may not like the messenger, the message is delivered.”
The analyst also questioned the decision to involve individuals holding key government positions in the party’s campaign structure, including officials responsible for revenue and budgeting.
He said there should be separation between party responsibilities and government functions, noting that the principle should apply beyond the traditional separation of powers within government.
Sobowale said the APC’s campaign structure could become even more complicated if the administration responds to complaints from party members who were excluded by expanding the council further.
He stated that the President ultimately has the right to determine his political strategy, but warned that the electorate would decide whether the strategy was successful.
According to him, Nigerians would assess the administration based on its performance and determine whether it deserves another mandate in 2027.
He said the current economic difficulties facing Nigerians, including high food prices, inflation, unemployment and insecurity, would form part of that assessment.
Sobowale stated that the APC’s decision to rely heavily on members of the current administration in its campaign structure could expose the party to questions about the government’s performance.
He said the administration’s conviction that its reforms have delivered positive results would ultimately be tested by voters at the polls.
“If their strategy is right and people buy, they will vote for them.”
The analyst emphasized that democracy gives citizens the power to accept or reject a government through periodic elections, regardless of the strength of the political structure behind it.
He said the government should therefore not assume that its current position of strength guarantees permanent control.
“Democracy, it is not aristocracy or a monarchy. It is not family business.”
Sobowale also referenced the recent Osun State election as an example of the ability of voters to determine electoral outcomes despite the influence and resources available to political parties.
He said Kwankwaso’s criticism should be considered on its merits, despite his position as an opposition politician.
According to him, Kwankwaso’s comments about insecurity, unemployment, poverty and destruction of livelihoods reflect concerns shared by many Nigerians.
He said the former Kano governor’s criticism was not necessarily motivated by malice, but could be viewed as a warning the government should consider.
“What he’s saying, it’s not out of malice, it’s out of concern.”
Sobowale emphasized that if the administration chooses to disregard the criticism, the consequences would ultimately be determined by voters during the 2027 election.
“If they don’t listen to him, the battlefield is at the election now.”
Ojo Triumph
Follow us on:
