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At the historic Mapo Hall in the heart of Ibadan, on Friday, September 26, 2025, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja received the staff and instruments of office as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The event was witnessed by an impressive crowd comprising President Bola Tinubu, the high, the mighty Nigerians and non-Nigerians. It was an event that re-emphasised the uniqueness of the Ibadan monarchy and the global citizenship of Oba Rashidi Ladoja. Soji Ajibola, Busola Oworu, and Olawale Olaniyan capture the scenes as they unfold.

Events leading to the eventual coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the Arusa 1, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, had all the trappings of greatness and exclusivity woven around them. There was a week-long activity announced by the Chief Bayo Oyero-led planning committee, put together by the Oyo State government. But long before the activities were announced by the committee, the picture that you see on the streets, within the interior and exteriors of Ibadan was that of a city in celebratory mood. The entire Ibadan had been formed into a committee, putting in place all of the this and that that made the coronation a special spectacle to behold. From within Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and even to those in the diaspora, Ibadan has a monarch, in Ladoja, whose fame transcends this shore.

Though the city had to mourn the passing of the 43rd Olubadan Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Ige Olakulehin 1, who passed on July 7, 2025, the mourning period soon turned to celebration, in fulfillment of the agelong moniker of the Ibadan people as Omo Agbotikuyo. The 21 days of mourning would also respect the wishes and tradition of the Ibadan people, as it witnessed the movement of the king’s traditional drummers from the Olakulehin compound to Ladoja’s Arusa family house, in Isale Osi, in the interior of today’s Ibadan. Incidentally, the demise of Oba Olakulehin came at a time Oba Ladoja was outside Ibadan town. He was in Lagos when the announcement was made by the state government. So, Oba Ladoja had to hold forth in Lagos till the 21 days passed. The city wore more glowing look as the Oba returned to his land, and from that period, it was celebration and preparation for more celebrations. It all came to a head on September 26, the day chosen by the state government for the official coronation of the 44th Olubadan. It was a day after his 81st birthday, a confirmation of what the Yoruba would describe as celebration falling upon celebration.

The coronation process

The one-week celebration, which climaxed with the presentation of the ancient crown to Oba Ladoja, a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, former governor of Oyo State, now Ibadan monarch, was not limited to the Mapo Hall. There were activities in different corners of the town, even as the different families with historic links to the throne and Ibadanland took their turns to pay traditional homage to the Olubadan in his Bodija home. The first coronation lecture, with the topic: ‘Ibadan history: Issues in Tradition and Modernity,’ was delivered by Prof Toyin Falola, a renowned professor of African Studies, who currently chairs the Jacob and Sanger Mossiker Chair in Humanities at the University of Texas, Austin, United States. He told the gathering that the personality of Oba Ladoja, who is a successful businessman and former politician, would bring development to Ibadan by improving its economic condition. Chairman of the coronation committee, Chief Bayo Oyero, also said that the lecture wasn’t a mere academic exercise, but a critical dialogue and a moment of introspection which would serve as a source of guidance for the new Olubadan.

There were events in the different corners of the city as the Mogajis (family heads) and Baales held Owambe functions for their family members. Ibadan indigenes and their friends travelled from far and near to witness the unprecedented events because of the pedigree of Oba Ladoja, who had been elected Senator and governor of the state. Attendance at the events was not limited to Ibadan indigenes alone, as Nigerians of all walks of life arrived in Ibadan from Kano, Abuja, and Lagos, and outside the country to take part in the historical coronation.

There were musical performances in the various parts of the city. Fuji musician, Taye Currency held sway at Mapo Hall on the coronation day, while other Fuji artists, Tiri Leather, Rashidi Ayinde popularly known as Merenge, Abass Akande Obesere all took their audiences to the peak of enjoyment at different locations where they performed. Aside from the musical performances, D-Day came with all the thrills, the frills, anxiety, and relaxation. There was concern about crowd control as news filtered into town that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a long-standing friend of Oba Ladoja, would witness the ceremony. The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) issued traffic advisories to residents well ahead of the coronation date. It spelled out roads that would be closed before the event and movement schedules towards the Mapo Hall. Security operatives had full control of the presidential routes from late on Thursday as everything was set for the coronation ceremony.

The operatives, including officers and men of the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), the Police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, the local vigilante, and hunters, took strategic positions in line with the design of their duties. Some men of the Army had a difficult time preventing the influx of street boys from Bere and Idi-Arere from entering the venue. Nevertheless, the entire space was effectively manned as those with valid tags to enter the venue were subjected to a thorough security screening. Aside from the traffic advisory issued by the traffic management authority, several neighbourhood markets were closed, while traffic restrictions affected Oja’ba, Orita-merin, Ayeye, Bode, and others. This allowed the traders, artisans, and other categories of people to partake in the programme.

The Traditional Rites

Before D-Day, Oba Ladoja had entered confinement, traditionally set for Yoruba rulers to receive some lessons about the throne and partake in some rites. The coronation proper started with the arrival of Oba Ladoja at the Ile Labosinde (the Afobaje compound) in Oja’ba, Ibadan. The compound is just a stone’s throw from the historic Mapo Hall, where the open event usually takes place. At Ile Labosinde, Oba Ladoja partook of the traditional rites led by the Oluwo Afobaje Labosinde. The monarch had arrived at the venue in a white Rolls-Royce and was accompanied by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, his immediate and extended family, and other well-wishers. He acknowledged cheers from the crowd and proceeded to the business of the day. Kabiyesi Ladoja later proceeded to Osemeji shrine, where the worshippers of Ifa Divinity, led by Abore of Ibadanland, were awaiting his arrival. The Abore, clad in a white regalia, marched on traditional mats in line with the tradition, as he is forbidden to march on the ground barefoot on his way to the shrine that is directly opposite Labosinde Afobaje’s compound.

The monarch was asked by the Oluwo to open a traditional calabash, which was discovered to be filled with honey, and the crowd yelled in admiration. He was also asked to prostrate to the people for the last time, and he did. Yoruba Obas are not allowed to prostrate for anybody after receiving the crown. The Oluwo of Ibadanland then decorated the new monarch with Akoko leaves and the ancient traditional beaded crown, otherwise known as Ade Isenbaye.

Shouts of K-a-b-i-y-e-s-i ooo rented the air as the ancient crown landed on Oba Ladoja’s head. Those who have witnessed coronations in the past said that the moment had been critical for monarchs in the past and that many of Ladoja’s predecessors had to take moments to catch their breath immediately after the ancient crown lands on their head for the first time. It was said that many took time to regain composure before they could continue with rituals. Oba Ladoja was lucky. He remained his true self and was able to continue the other activities without a break. The traditional drummers complemented every second with beats that speak not only to the origin of the city of warriors, but to the genealogy of Ladoja as a son of the Arusa family in the ancient city.

Mapo Hall, the venue of the event, was filled to the brim as the people had started arriving at the venue as early as 6 am to await the arrival of the new monarch, Governor Seyi Makinde, and President Tinubu. Many who discussed in groups described Ladoja as the true ‘Koseleri Kabiyesi’ (never seen before king), as a result of the political positions he earlier held, having been elected the Senator representing Oyo South and governor of the state.

Arrival at Mapo Hall

After the necessary traditional rites had been carried out on Kabiyesi, he proceeded to Mapo Hall, where the guests had been awaiting his arrival for the official presentation of the staff and Instruments of office by the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde. Ladoja received a loud ovation as he arrived at Mapo Hall. And he proceeded to his seat. As the crowd awaited Governor Makinde and President Tinubu, musical interludes were provided by Taiye Currency, the Fuji Act. At exactly 2.45 pm, the long convoy that conveyed the president, the governor, and other government functionaries arrived at the venue to cheers and admiration of the gathering.

Governor Makinde speaks

‘The excitement everywhere in this city today shows that we must uphold our tradition. I want to say that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institutions are now over and behind us,’ he said, apparently referring to the rancour that preceded the inauguration of the 42nd and 43rd Olubadan. He added: ‘What this means is that the tradition, the succession, and process are now sacrosanct. We know everything about that succession.’

The governor spoke further: ‘Today, history was literally made. The president landed at the Ibadan Airport with the first wide-bodied aircraft ever to land at the Ibadan Airport. This shows that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments. I want to congratulate Kabiyesi and to say that his reign shall be peaceful, bring progress and development to Ibadanland.’ The governor, who claimed that he had assumed a new status of Omooba, declared that history had already been made with the enthronement of Oba Ladoja as the first wide-bodied aircraft landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola airport, Ibadan, for the first time.

Oba Ladoja’s acceptance speech

In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja said he was grateful to God for keeping him alive to get to the top of the chieftaincy ladder. He also recognised the roles played by the late Chief MKO Abiola, whom he said was present during his inauguration as Mogaji, and the late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, whom he said was instrumental to his climbing the ladder as Jagun Olubadan. He equally told President Tinubu that the people of Ibadan had asked him to demand the creation of Ibadan State, while he even thanked the president in anticipation of the actualisation.

He told the gathering: ‘This staff of office that the governor, our son in whom we are well-pleased, has presented to me is a source of joy to all Ibadan sons and daughters. One year ago, some people thought Ibadan would scatter, but Ibadan has a way of settling its matters, and we are here today in unity and oneness.

‘I appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Oyo State Government, and the Coronation Committee for this event. I also appreciate the Olubadan-in-Council; they all supported me. They are the kingmakers, and if they had not agreed to my nomination, I could not be here today. I am assuring the people of Ibadan that since God spared me till today, I will serve them, and I will do it with all my powers. There is nothing else I am looking for in life. Yesterday, I clocked 81. Some people do not have this privilege. So, I recognise that the fact that God spared me till date, what remains is to serve every resident of Ibadan, serve Oyo State, serve Yorubaland, serve Nigeria and Africa, to the best of my ability.’

President Tinubu, who also extolled Oba Ladoja as a successful businessman and a lucky monarch, said that he was happy to see him climb the ladder to the topmost, adding that the monarch was a pro-democracy fighter who stood firm during the fight against military autocracy. Tinubu said that it was a great honour for him to witness Ladoja’s coronation as Oba while he served as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The president, who described Oba Ladoja as a resilient and reliable person, took time to reminisce on their days in the aborted Third Republic Senate, as well as recall the monarch’s battles during his impeachment as governor of Oyo State in 2006, and his comeback story. He prayed that God should grant the new Olubadan long life and success, so that he would be celebrated as one of the rare gems to ascend the throne.

For a long time, society has quietly told us to keep our wins to ourselves. ‘Don’t show it, people will think you’re proud. Stay humble,’ ‘let others show you,’ among other lines you might have come across. Especially for creatives and career-driven people, this has left many hiding their progress, as though celebrating yourself is a crime.

But here’s the truth: success deserves to be seen, not buried. It’s time to stop hiding your wins. You don’t have to shout about your accomplishments; you can show them in simple, non-verbal ways.

The following are ways you can show your success without being loud:

1. Upgrade your work quality

Let your results speak for themselves. If you’re a creative or a professional, a clear sign of success is an improvement in the quality of your work. People will notice the better designs, the clearer videos, cleaner products, and higher standards. You don’t have to say a word to show your success; your work will do the talking for you.

2. Dress the part

Your style can be a quiet but powerful demonstration of success. Investing in neat, classy, or more intentional outfits tells people you value yourself and your journey.

You don’t need luxury brands to make a statement; sometimes it’s simply about looking collected and confident. Think of it as wearing your success, not boasting about it.

3. Upgrade your tools

From laptops to cameras to office furniture, new tools are more than just functional; they’re symbols of growth.

A creative showing up with better gear sends a message without saying anything: ‘I’m investing in myself because I’m moving forward.’ Now that’s a cool way to show your success.

Even for career professionals, something as simple as a better home office setup or new work gadgets reflects advancement.

4. Let your lifestyle show workings

Small changes in your life can also show your success. Maybe you can now travel more, work from a nicer location, or afford healthier habits. These quiet shifts are often noticed by others and speak volumes about your progress.

5. Show up consistently

One of the most powerful ways to show success is simply by being consistent. Regularly sharing your work, staying active in your field, or attending industry events hints that you’re not just surviving, you’re thriving. People respect consistency and see it as a sign that you’re on the right path.

6. Celebrate other people

A great way to show your own success is to celebrate others loudly. When you share a colleague’s work, mentor a beginner, or create opportunities for others, you show confidence.

People notice that those who lift others often have something to be proud of themselves.

7. Quiet confidence

A real sign of success is the inner peace you carry. When faced with challenges or criticism, your ability to stay calm and grounded sends a strong signal that you’ve reached a new level. You no longer need to rush to defend yourself.

You’ve been told to hide your success, but a win that is hidden is a win that is ignored. You don’t have to shout from the rooftops. Your work, presence, lifestyle, and confidence can speak for you.

You can think of it as living your success instead of just announcing it. Because when people see the changes, they’ll know, without you saying a word.

AS the tenure of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) draws to a close, public attention is shifting not only to his legacy, but also on renewed calls on the mode of appointment of the leadership of the electoral body. Yakubu, who steps down in November after a decade at the helm, is leaving behind a commission transformed by technology, institutional reforms, and expanded voter access. Yet his tenure has also been dogged by controversies especially during the 2023 general election. Indeed, some stakeholders are questioning whether the credibility of future elections can be guaranteed without restructuring how the INEC chairman and commissioners are appointed. Even so, potential candidates nominated to succeed Yakubu as chairman of INEC are reportedly being interviewed and vetted ahead of President Tinubu’s consultations with the Council of State. ‘The President will soon convene a Council of State meeting where he will present the names to the council. It is a constitutional requirement,’ argues a source. There are speculations that President Tinubu will likely nominate Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and constitutional law scholar, as the next INEC Chairman. Amupitan, a professor of law at the University of Jos, is known for his expertise in constitutional jurisprudence, human rights, and democratic governance.

However, civil society groups and election monitors insist that presidential appointments compromise the independence of the commission. At a roundtable in Abuja last week, Yiaga Africa, The Kukah Centre, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), the International Press Centre (IPC), and 12 other organisations unveiled a Citizens Memorandum for Reform of the Electoral Legal Framework. The document recommends amending Sections 154 and 158 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as Part F of the Third Schedule, to introduce a multi-stakeholder approach to the appointment of INEC leadership. ‘The scope of consultations should expand beyond the Council of State to other critical stakeholders like traditional and religious institutions, including civil society,’ the groups said in a joint statement. The memorandum outlines 37 recommendations across 15 strategic objectives. Of these, 21 require constitutional amendments, while 16 relate to the Electoral Act 2022.

According to Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, ‘Elections are only as credible as the institutions that manage them. If the president continues to wield the power to appoint, it undermines the neutrality of INEC in the eyes of the public.’ Despite these concerns, analysts acknowledge that Yakubu has advanced electoral management in Nigeria. Under his watch, INEC rolled out the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for biometric voter authentication and introduced the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), which allowed polling unit results to be uploaded in real time. ‘The IReV is Prof. Yakubu’s brainchild. It was designed to digitise Form EC60E that was often destroyed at polling units,’ said Austin Aigbe, Regional Advocacy Officer at the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network. ‘Unfortunately, technical glitches during the 2023 elections eroded the credibility of an otherwise progressive innovation.’ Yakubu championed Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), which added over 12 million new voters-mostly young people-to the register, raising the total to a record 93 million. INEC expanded polling units by more than 56,000, easing congestion in urban and rural areas alike.

‘INEC under Yakubu made genuine attempts to broaden participation of marginalised groups,’ Aigbe added. ‘But perception issues overshadowed many of these gains.’ Another milestone was Yakubu’s role in pushing for the passage of the Electoral Act 2022. The law authorised the use of technology in elections, extended timelines for candidate nominations, and empowered INEC to review results declared under duress within seven days. That amendment was inspired by the 2019 Imo North senatorial election,’ Aigbe explained. ‘For the first time, INEC had the power to intervene in cases of coercion before the courts got involved.’But as Yakubu bows out, opinions still remain divided. Some analysts point to his institutional reforms and technological innovations as a foundation for future progress, while critics highlight persistent logistical lapses, technical failures, and some mistrust in election outcomes. ‘Yakubu moved the commission forward in many ways,’ said a constitutional lawyer, Chidi Odinkalu. ‘But what good are reforms if the public no longer believes in the results?’ For reform advocates, the debate over Yakubu’s legacy has sharpened the urgency of insulating INEC from political control. ‘The real issue is not just who chairs INEC after Yakubu,’ Itodo stressed, ‘but how that person is appointed. Without that reform, Nigerians will continue to question the integrity of our elections.’ As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, the story of INEC remains one of promise and paradox.

Yakubu’s era delivered important reforms, but also exposed the limits of technology in the absence of political will and institutional trust. The incoming INEC Chairman now has the task of consolidating those gains while navigating the legitimacy crisis that has dogged the commission.

The National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) has organised a ‘Prayer of Glorification’ to thank Allah for four distinguished Muslim personalities recently celebrated for their outstanding academic accomplishments.

The honorees include Professor Taofeek Yekeen, a specialist in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ibadan; Professor Mubarak Noibi of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies; Dr Ashraf Akintola, who recently earned a PhD from Kyungpook National University, South Korea; and Barrister AbdulJalal Akintola, who was recently called to the Nigerian Bar.

The prayer reception, held at the Ibadan Central Mosque, Oja’ba on Wednesday, was graced by Islamic scholars, leaders and organisations such as the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Oyo State, as well as members of the Muslim community.

The honorees were showered with gifts, commendations and heartfelt prayers.

In his keynote address, Professor Afis Oladosu, of the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, advised the celebrants to see their new status as a divine opportunity to further the cause of Islam.

‘Allah grants prestige to whomsoever He wills. No one knows what lies ahead, so strive for balance between worldly pursuits and the hereafter,’ he counselled.

He charged Muslim lawyers in particular to ‘be learners, not liars.’

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Rashid Aderinoye, emphasised that the gathering served to promote love and unity in Islam.

He urged Muslims to renew their commitment to the worship of Allah.

Also speaking, coordinator of NACOMYO, Oyo State, Alhaji Daud Afolabi, described the honorees’ achievements as springboards for greater service to Islam and humanity.

‘Remember, a surgeon is only congratulated after a successful operation, not when entering the theatre,’ he noted.

In their goodwill messages, chairman of the Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS), Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni, and chairman of the Political Awareness Group (PAG), Dr Lukman Fasasi, praised Allah for the honorees’ academic elevations and urged them to surpass their predecessors in service to Da’wah and the Ummah.

A retired scholar of Arabic and Islamic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Professor Kamil Oloso, offered special prayers and encouraged the celebrants to help uplift others academically within the Muslim community.

Emeritus Professor Dawud Noibi led a special prayer for NACOMYO, the Oyo State chapter and the celebrants, seeking Allah’s continued guidance, protection and blessings.

Prayers were also offered by Dr Murtada AbdulHameed of the Ekiti State University and Alhaji Alwajud Abdulwahab, among others.

Recently, Continental Hotels proudly joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating the nation’s journey of resilience, culture, and innovation as Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence anniversary.

The Group General Manager, Continental Hotel Group, Mr Karl Hala, in a release said ‘Today is not only a celebration of our history but also a commitment to the future-a future where Nigerian hospitality stands tall as a beacon of African excellence.

He sad: ‘At Continental Hotels, we believe the strength of Nigeria lies in its people-an energetic, vibrant, and high-tech generation ready to redefine global hospitality.

‘This is why we invest not just in buildings and infrastructure but also in developing Nigeria’s youth, championing authentic culture, and delivering farm-to-table experiences that showcase Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.

‘This year has been marked by remarkable transformation for us:’In Abuja, we unveiled our Deluxe Rooms in Tower 2A, setting a new standard for comfort and style. Additionally, the Ladi Kwali Conference Centre now features advanced soundproof partitioning, reinforcing the capital’s position as a hub for global business.

‘We have invested in WiFi 7 infrastructure across our hotels-the first of its kind in Nigerian hospitality-ensuring seamless, world-class connectivity for both business and leisure travellers.

– Across Abuja and Lagos, our wellness upgrades powered by Technogym include Nigeria’s first Group Cycle formats, Excite Live personalized training, and the innovative Selection 900 virtual strength coach, all of which are redefining fitness and lifestyle in Nigerian hospitality.

Abuja Continental was honored with the Capital City Excellence Award 2025, while Lagos Continental, a landmark in our nation’s commercial capital, proudly received the Timeless Elegance Award 2025.

Looking ahead, we are ‘Going Artisan All Out,’ committing to authentic, sustainable farm-to-table dining that supports Nigerian farmers, promotes local agriculture, and delivers unforgettable experiences to travelers from around the world.

As Nigeria continues its transformation, so do we. Together, we are building a future where hospitality is more than just service-it embodies excellence, authenticity, and connection, proudly Nigerian and proudly African.

IN any functioning democracy, political parties are more than just vehicles for winning general elections. Unfortunately, in Nigeria, and for many politicians, that is precisely what the parties are for. After the elections, it is typical for these politicians to disappear and only resurface during the next election cycle when they once again need the party platform to contest. They are also notorious for abandoning the funding of the party to the more committed members. Even if the Electoral Act is amended to allow for independent candidacy, only very few politicians in Nigeria can win elections based solely on their personal popularity or strength. Again, for certain individuals such as Senator Ibrahim Lamido, the structure of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was essential to their electoral success. He reportedly lost his polling unit, ward and local government due to his unpopularity. He was saved by the other local government areas. The question that then arises is: why is Senator Lamido criticising bigwigs of the APC, the party that generously gave him its platform to actualize his political ambitions? It is also a known fact that without Alhaji Isa Sadiq Achida, the Chairman of the APC Sokoto State Chapter, who introduced him to Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Governor Ahmed Aliyu, he wouldn’t have emerged as the candidate, let alone win the general election. It’s worth noting that Senator Lamido hasn’t controverted this fact or disclosed the crime of those who in the first place made his election possible.

If Senator Lamido has legitimate concerns, he has failed to present any concrete and coherent grievances and it’s not surprising that he has no case to pursue through the internal dispute resolution mechanisms available to him. This pattern of unconstructive behaviour does not suggest any principled disagreement, but rather the tantrum of a politician out of his depth. And assuming Senator Lamido is dissatisfied with the manner his complaints have been handled by the various organs of the party, is attempting to factionalise the party his best option? But one thing is certain and that’s that Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s alleged efforts at factionalizing the party is a huge joke. But why are Nigerian political parties unable to discipline their recalcitrant members, unlike the African National Congress (ANC)? Or is it because most Nigerian political parties were formed around elections and have no history of long-term struggles? And the fact that they tend to emerge, collapse, or mutate based on political convenience rather than any long-term vision which makes loyalty to parties often nonexistent and mostly transactional? The African National Congress (ANC) is definitely stronger and more cohesive than most Nigerian parties, which many believe has to do with the ANC’s deep historical roots as a liberation movement that fought against apartheid for decades. And the fact that many members of the ANC see it as more than a party, but as a historical institution.

Were it in South Africa, the ANC would have wasted no time recalling Senator Lamido from the Senate. The ANC has proven that it has the capacity by recalling Presidents Thabo Mbeki in 2008 and Jacob Zuma in 2018 when their leadership threatened the ANC’s unity and reputation. It’s also a known fact that members of the ANC unquestioningly fall in line with party decisions even when they vehemently disagree with such decisions, because of the obvious and clear consequences. Nigerian parties, on the other hand, struggle to enforce discipline even when as in the case of Senator Lamido his actions are a flagrant violation of the APC’s constitution, bad publicity for the party, and a distraction from the accomplishments of the Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto administration. According to Article 21(a)(iii) of the APC Constitution (2014, as amended), anti-party activities or actions that bring the party into disrepute are grounds for disciplinary action. Senator Lamido’s public statements against the party leadership fall within this definition.

What is needed is an urgent enforcement of the party constitution, which has the necessary provisions needed to strengthen and for managing disagreements. The era of failing to resolve grievances within the party and putting the party in a bad light should be over. These political shenanigans must no longer be tolerated. The question is, why hasn’t the APC Sokoto State chapter triggered this constitutional provision? First is the peaceful nature of Governor Aliyu, Senator Wamakko, and Isa Achida, the party Chairman. This explains why, for a very long time, the party had largely ignored his antics. The other reason is that Senator Lamido, despite his media activities, is not considered a political threat. His inability to gather meaningful support or command influence within the party structure is why the party has continued to see his actions as that of a politically weak person. His so-called ‘faction,’ if one can call it that, has been operating mostly on the pages of some newspapers and new media platforms.

But even tolerable distractions have their limits, hence the recent ‘bomb’ by the party chairman. The breaking point came when Senator Lamido reportedly crossed the line by publicly insulting Senator Aliyu Wamakko, the very man whose political machinery made his election possible. The insult was a red line the party could no longer ignore. In Sokoto and across the APC, Wamakko is not just a political leader, he is an institution. Disparaging him was not merely an act of disrespect, but a direct assault on the party’s foundation in the state and a reckless provocation. What makes Senator Lamido’s case even more interesting is that in the Senate, he has failed to live up to the expectations of his constituents and the party.

Based on his work experience, he looked like a good material, but like they say, the hood does not make the monk. Going forward, the APC and indeed all the other political parties must begin to prioritise character, competence, and party discipline when supporting candidates. The era of fielding candidates based purely on ‘hope’ that their educational background and work experience will translate into performance must give way to a new standard rooted in loyalty, tested capacity, and a genuine desire to serve. Senator Ibrahim Lamido’s descent from political beneficiary to internal critic is both regrettable and instructive. It reflects the risks political parties face when individuals are elevated without the necessary grounding in ideology, loyalty, or political maturity. The APC Sokoto State Chapter has a responsibility to ensure that politics is not reduced to ambition without responsibility or power without purpose. The governor it supported is an example of a candidate who deserved the party’s support. Without party discipline, there will be utter lawlessness. It must wield the big stick, because only then can it preserve party unity, and the strength needed to lead both party and state into a more stable and prosperous future. Members must play by the rules.

Political parties are the institutional backbone of governance. They provide ideological direction, policy continuity, and the structure through which elected officials emerge and operate.