In a village near Owo, Ondo State, Fulani kidnappers invaded to abduct residents.
The community's head hunter placed powerful Yoruba jùjú on the land as protection.
As soon as the attackers stepped onto it, they fell into a deep sleep, allowing locals to apprehend them.
Jùjú is not to be trifled with.
This statement sounds emotional and inspiring, but it leaves too many unanswered questions.
First, what exactly happened within the party ranks? Before projecting the incident as a national symbol of lawlessness, there must be honesty about internal issues. Political parties are not innocent spaces. There are documented cases of brawls, factional disputes, parallel leadership claims, and power struggles within parties across Nigeria. Ignoring internal breakdowns while blaming “lawlessness” broadly is convenient, but incomplete.
Second, has the possibility of internal sabotage been ruled out? In Nigerian politics, internal sabotage is not new. History shows that party members sometimes deliberately instigate chaos to gain sympathy, shift narratives, or weaken opponents. If such possibilities exist, they should be investigated, not brushed aside with moral speeches.
Third, if this incident involved party members or affiliates, what disciplinary actions have been taken? Leadership is not just about condemning violence in general terms. Leadership means enforcing internal discipline, naming wrongdoers, and applying consequences within your own political house.
Fourth, the statement speaks about electing leaders with competence and character, but leadership also means accountability at every level, including party leadership, campaign structures, and grassroots organisers. You cannot demand national order while tolerating disorder internally.
Fifth, invoking philosophy and past personal experiences does not replace facts. Nigerians deserve clarity. Who were the perpetrators? Were they outsiders, party loyalists, or hired disruptors? What evidence exists? What steps are being taken to prevent a repeat?
Sixth, there is also the danger of politicising insecurity. When every violent incident is immediately framed as evidence of government failure without full investigation, it risks cheapening genuine security concerns and turning them into campaign tools.
Finally, Nigerians want solutions, not only symbolism. Beyond statements, what concrete measures are being proposed to ensure safety at political events, manage internal party conflicts, and prevent violence during campaigns?
Nigeria truly needs peace, order, and responsible leadership. That responsibility begins at home. Any leader asking Nigerians to trust them with national power must first demonstrate transparency, discipline, and accountability within their own party.
That is how credibility is built.