By Favour Akinmola
As political activities gather momentum and aspirants intensify efforts to win the confidence of voters, a supporter of Omosuyi Olumide has explained his decision to openly campaign for the politician, citing his character, compassion and capacity as the qualities that distinguish him from other contenders.
The supporter, who described Olumide as more of a technocrat than a conventional politician, said his decision to campaign for him was based on personal knowledge of his character and his conviction that he would be able to defend his record even in his absence.
He said unlike the usual practice of supporting candidates largely on the basis of political affiliations, he was reluctant to campaign for politicians whose conduct in office could expose their supporters to public criticism after elections.
“I don’t campaign for an individual whose actions or inactions I cannot defend even in his absence,” he said, stressing that his support for Olumide was rooted in what he described as the aspirant’s record of service, compassion and relationship with members of his community.
According to him, Olumide’s conduct towards members of the community, particularly the elderly, demonstrated a character that should be considered alongside political ambition.
He said: “Olumide is a man who has never thrown a stone at an elderly person within our community. Charity, they say, begins at home. The elders would bear me witness on this. A refutal is welcome, if any.”
The supporter also pointed to Olumide’s approach to philanthropy, saying he had consistently assisted people without seeking publicity or political advantage from such interventions.
He maintained that Olumide often provided assistance quietly and encouraged beneficiaries to give the glory to God rather than use his acts of kindness for political publicity.
Beyond his personal conduct, the supporter said Olumide’s humble background had given him an understanding of the challenges confronting young people and other struggling members of society.
He argued that a leader who had experienced hardship was more likely to understand the difficulties faced by citizens struggling with unemployment, economic pressure and limited opportunities.
“He has empirical knowledge of what it means to come from a humble background and, as such, understands the plight of struggling youths,” he said.
He further described Olumide as a candidate who does not subscribe to the politics of confrontation, saying he does not believe elections should be treated as “do or die” affairs.
According to him, the aspirant’s campaign style is focused more on explaining what he intends to achieve than attacking opponents or engaging in political calumny.
“He does not believe in ‘do or die’ elections and obviously would not be involved in campaign of calumny, neither will he malign any opponent. Listen to him; he only tells you what he will do, different from others,” he said.
The supporter said his confidence in Olumide also stemmed from his belief that the aspirant’s approach to leadership would be defined by service rather than the pursuit of personal power.
He said if given the opportunity to lead, Olumide would deploy political authority and influence to improve the welfare of his constituents and protect their interests.
“If Olumide gets power, he will use it to help. If blessed with wealth, he will use it to bless. If he acquires influence, he will use it to protect his people, and if endowed with authority, he will use it to serve,” he said.
The supporter anchored his argument on the philosophical proposition that truth is demonstrated through action rather than abstract claims, saying Olumide’s character and previous conduct provided the basis for his confidence in the aspirant.
He said his campaign for Olumide was therefore not based merely on political rhetoric or partisan loyalty, but on personal experience and trust.
“I campaign for him because I know him, trust him, and can beat my chest that he is not a politician who becomes unavailable when he wins election,” he said.
