The Coordinator of the Traders/Artisans Mobilisation Committee of the APM Presidential/Governorship Campaign Council, Oloye Benedict Akika JP, Founder of Omituntun Benedict Forum/Foundation (OBF), has challenged political leaders and stakeholders to move beyond attending political meetings and campaign gatherings, stressing that elections are ultimately won through effective grassroots mobilisation at polling units, wards and zones. Akika maintained that the ability to mobilise voters and secure their participation on election day, rather than mere political appearances, would determine the electoral fortunes of the All Peoples Movement (APM) and its candidates.
The political leader expressed concern over what he described as the misplaced priorities of some individuals parading themselves as leaders without demonstrating genuine commitment to grassroots mobilisation. According to him, “Some people claiming leaders only believe in attending meeting or insinuating without mobilization, and Mobilization wins elections.” He argued that political leadership should be measured by the ability to build structures, engage voters, convince supporters and translate political influence into tangible electoral results at the grassroots.
Akika further questioned the preparedness of some political leaders who frequently boast about their political strength and anticipated electoral victories but allegedly lack basic knowledge of their polling units. He declared, “These leaders don’t even know their poll unit to vote on election days, not to talk of the extent of victory which they do boost of.” He emphasised that political leaders must understand their immediate electoral environments, identify their voting centres and take responsibility for mobilising eligible voters within their respective communities.
Calling for a more practical and result-oriented approach ahead of the forthcoming elections, the OBF Founder urged APM leaders, supporters and campaign coordinators to intensify mobilisation across the state rather than relying solely on meetings and campaign rallies. Akika stated emphatically, “Attending meetings or campaigns alone can’t bring victory for APM and deliver all our candidates, Go to your Polling Units, Zones and Wards for vigorous Mobilization.” He maintained that consistent door-to-door engagement, voter sensitisation and well-coordinated grassroots activities remain essential to securing victory for APM and delivering its candidates at all levels.
