Sanwo-Olu : Why is Lagos state governor running helter-skelter?

The recent feats of the Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu in his electoral campaigns for a second term has become a running joke in the country and these acts can been pinned down to the governor’s fear of his opposition and his desperation to be re-elected

Electoral campaigns over the years have been characterized with public affiliation with the people and an appeal to their emotions.

This is naturally to give the people a sense of inclusiveness and to endear the candidate to the public. Although the candidates’ capabilities and past performance in leadership are also considered, these public campaigns and canvassing for votes help in securing the seat.

ALSO READ: What social media is not telling us about success

So it shouldn’t be any surprise to find the incumbent governor of Lagos state doing the same to cajole people to re-elect him but this time the governor seems to have chosen the wrong move.

Under normal circumstances, the strategy should have endeared him to the people and assured him of a sure win but reverse is the case if we put into consideration the trolling; derogatory comments and mockery his actions has elicited online.

 The Multi-Dimensional Sanwo-Olu

From mechanic to hairstylist, church usher and many other vocations the governor has recently added to his portfolio, instead of the desired results, the people instead react with aggression like a cat stroked the wrong way.

Most pin his overt display of concern as a proof of his fear of his opposition especially the new and supposedly “structureless” party and  his desperation.

This seeks the logical conclusion when his recent extreme and incredible public acts are put into perspective. Yet Nigerians are unimpressed and simply tint all his action as superficial and dismiss his action as selfish and  insincere.

This indifference that meet his action despite him championing the cause of the train accident victims and his demotion from the peoples hero to a stand-up comedian can be traced to the people disapproval with his inaction during the ENDSARS protest and his delayed response during the recent cashless situation in the country.

While the online insults and negative reaction might not influence the election outcome, it has left a strong impression in the minds of other candidates, present and future that Nigerians will no longer be bamboozled or swayed by emotional appeals and publicity stunts.