Published 14th Feb, 2022

By Tola Owoyele

Since the return of democracy nearly 23 years ago, Nigerians have seen several politicians devise tricks to woo voters when elections are near. Unapproachable politicians suddenly descend from their high horses to identify with common Nigerians on the streets.

Nigerians have seen Orji Uzor Kalu and Adams Oshiomhole, former governors of Abia and Edo State respectively, buying and eating corn by the roadside.

Rochas Okorocha, former governor of Imo State, once helped a woman roast corn with one hand while carrying her child with the other, his entourage taking pictures of every moment. Also, Dino Melaye, a former Senator, posed for the camera with a tray of boiled groundnuts on his head.

These gimmicks have returned as 2023 general election approaches. High-profile politicians have returned to the streets with theatrics to earn credibility. Here are five of their recent moves.

GANDUJE WASHES A CAR

In October 2021, a video of Abdullahi Ganduje, Governor of Kano State, commissioning a car wash emerged.

In the short film, Ganduje washes a car while dancing to a melodious song. His action is greeted with wild rejoicing by the surrounding people.

Shortly afterward, he hands the hose over to an aide close to him.

SANWO-OLU TALKS TO OUT-OF-SCHOOL GIRLS

In February, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, halted his convoy to interact with two underage girls on an errand for a bean cake vendor during school hours.

Following a video chat with the two teenagers, Sanwo-Olu said they would be under his care.

This came after the governor combed a woman’s hair at a salon in January, while Obafemi Hamzat, his deputy, watched on.

MOMODU GREETS ELDERLY WOMAN

Dele Momodu, a prominent Nigerian journalist and publisher, announced in February that he was going to run for president in 2023. To herald his campaign, he went to Edo, his state, where he met with several dignitaries, including Godwin Obaseki, governor of the state.

While in Edo, Momodu stopped his convoy and came out of his vehicle amidst heavy security to greet an elderly man standing close to a tree.

He also stretched his hand to give what looked like money to the man. Later, he posted a video of the event on his official Instagram page with a comment: I saw this old man waving so excitedly; I just had to come down to thank him properly.

MAKINDE DRIVES HIMSELF

Over the weekend, a video of Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State, driving himself while being surrounded by heavily armed security men made the rounds.

The governor was seen driving a BMW convertible around the Ibadan metropolis, waving at market women.

Meanwhile, Gate-Oje Market, where the governor was recorded behind the wheel, is just a stone’s throw from his home.

YEMI OSINBAJO SINGS RUGER’S ‘DIOR‘

On February 10, Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of Nigeria, caused a stir when he sang a few lines from ‘Dior‘, a popular song recorded by Ruger, a Nigerian pop artiste, at a business forum organised by Tony Elumelu, a foremost business owner in Nigeria.

There was a mix of surprise and admiration as the guests cheered him on as he sang.

Despite not making a declaration yet, many believe Osinbajo will run for president come 2023.

As the race for several political positions takes flight, Nigerians should prepare for more gimmicks. Politicians may drive ‘danfo’ in Lagos or pose for the camera as bus conductors in the coming days, all for 2023.

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