The Ballot Belongs to the People, and the Grassroots Will Have the Final Say.
As political activities gradually gathering pace ahead of the next electoral cycle, the people of Kogi Central are once again witnessing what many supporters describe as a familiar strategy by political opponents, an avalanche of propaganda, misinformation, sponsored attacks, and coordinated social media campaigns aimed at discrediting political figures they consider formidable.
For many supporters of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, this is not new. They believe that no amount of sponsored propaganda, paid bloggers, online critics, or politically motivated campaigns can replace the voice of the ordinary people in the villages, towns, markets, mosques, churches, and communities that make up Kogi Central.
According to these supporters, elections are not won on Facebook pages, WhatsApp groups, X spaces, or online blogs. They argue that elections are won through the confidence of farmers, traders, artisans, students, transport workers, civil servants, women, traditional institutions, youth groups, and community leaders who experienced Yahaya Bello leadership firsthand and will ultimately cast their votes for him.
Yahaya Bello supporters further contend that while opponents may invest heavily in online campaigns, the true battleground remains the grassroots. They believe that the people understand the difference between political propaganda and their own lived experiences, and that no amount of negative publicity can erase years of relationships built across wards, polling units, and local government areas.
Many of these supporters also argue that politics should be about presenting solutions to unemployment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, and economic opportunities rather than focusing on personal attacks. In their view, communities are more interested in leaders who understand their challenges and engage with them directly than in endless exchanges on social media.
Across Kogi Central, political analysts says the ordinary voters remains Yahaya Bello greatest political force. They believe that no sponsored narratives can outweigh the judgment of the electorate, and that every eligible voters will make an independent decision when the time comes.
For them, the message is straightforward: the ballot, not propaganda, will determine the future. The voices heard in homes, markets, farms, motor parks, schools, and community meetings will matter far more than trending hashtags or online debates.
As the political season progresses, Yahaya Bello supporters are calling for peaceful campaigns, respectful engagement, and issue-based politics. They maintain that democracy is strongest when candidates seek the trust of the people through service, ideas, and direct engagement, allowing the electorate to make the final decision at the ballot box.
– Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi
Public Affairs Analyst
