Not too long ago, precisely in 2022, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State of not allowing the party use the Muhammad Dikko Stadium for its presidential campaign. In its reaction, the state government stated that the stadium was undergoing renovations and not available for use.
In the same 2022, the Labour Party (LP) was denied access to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin city for a campaign rally. The Fdo State government claimed that the stadium’s tracks and pitch were still under warranty and needed specific maintenance. The government further stated that the party did not give enough notice.
Unconvincing excuses like the above cited instances are common tactics deployed by governments in power during electioneering to cripple the visibility, campaign momentum and possible electoral victory of opposition parties in any given election. In addition to denial of access to public facilities such as stadiums, open spaces, schools and parks, by the instrumentality of power of incumbency, sitting governments restrict opposition parties from patronising state-owned media houses. It is common knowledge that even when opposition parties with their cash in hand are willing to buy air time on state controlled radio and television stations, they are turned down.
Other measures that adversely affect the electoral chances of opposition parties include intentional prohibitive financial charges as seen in outdoor advertising permits in some states. Opposition parties have over the years decried such exorbitant impositions and other regulatory requirements as discriminatory.
And in line with the spirit of the New Abia of transparency, fair play, equity, accountability and justice, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, empathises with opposition parties in the state. The banker turned politician as a leading opposition figure in the state prior to his accession to power in 2923, experienced first hand, the deprivation opposition parties encounter during elections.
As a true democrat, Governor Otti wants a level playing field for all the political parties in the state in the ongoing campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections. To this effect, at the flagg-off of his reelection campaign on Sunday, November 1, 2926, he directed that candidates and members of opposition parties should not be denied access to public facilities as was the case in the past.
Expressing confidence that his achievements so far, would fetch him a resounding 2nd term victory in the 2027 polls, the Governor stated: “I have since given an order and I am repeating it here that opposition parties should not be restricted from using public facilities including this stadium.”. This is well said. A good talk and thoughtful decision. A welcome and healthy development which ought to gladden the heart members of the opposition parties.
However, beyond the public pronouncement of not restricting opposition parties use of public facilities for their campaigns and the threat of arrest and persecution of anyone who stands in their way, the Abia State government as a matter of public interest should walk its talk by practically sustaining the non denial of access to public facilities policy statement. Aside the use of stadiums, open spaces and public schools, one of the proofs of implementation is when the state-owned broadcast media – BCA radio and television – commences the airing of news and jingles of the the opposition parties as well as featuring opposition parties and candidates on their stations. Abians are looking forward to hearing of such equal opportunity to both the ruling and opposition parties. Deviating from the past by BCA radio and television will be a most welcome development and an added credit to the Otti administration .
Uzoma Isiakpu is a Public Relations Consultant.
