BY
BOLAJI AFOLABI
The time is here again; it is the season of politics. Amid economic squalor, pervasive poverty, torturing hardship, and corrosive hunger ravaging the people, for politicians – in power or aspiring to gain power – the game must go on. With the 2027 polls about two months away, political tension is brewing. The ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) seem to have seized the initiative by extending campaigns to a few states, after the kickoff which took place in Kaduna, a few weeks back. Though none of the opposition parties have started campaigns but they are at different stages of preparations. 
However, as politicians are busy doing what they know best – networking, fine-tuning, and concretizing for electoral victories – something else is shaping up in some parts of the country. Novel, needful, necessary! Though not involved in politics, a few groups and organizations are, in their own ways contributing to the development of the country. With special focus on the future, capacity building initiatives on social consciousness, ethical awareness, economic independence, leadership, and related thematic areas are being espoused to the youths. For now, participation in these programmes are somewhat scanty, or at best moderate, but if sustained, the impact of the initiative may increase and be transformative in latter years.
Recently, the writer was at one of such programmes in Kaduna, which by the way, still remains the political headquarters of the North. The choice of the historic city and state as the take-off point of the APC’s presidential campaigns further confirms this. At the event, the writer joined four others; as Panelists to interact, interface, and exchange ideas with the youths. Primarily, the theme focussed on the why and how to prepare for the future in their chosen or identified profession; leveraging on this as future change agents; and other related topics. True, the engagement was fruitful, impactful, and rewarding – in terms of knowledge acquisition, bridge-building, and networking. All the panelists, participants, and others made robust, thought provoking, and useful contributions. However, for the writer, the take-home was the advisory by one of the panelists that, “focus on whatever is your passion now, whatever it is, keep at it, because later in life it may be deployed strategically in achieving bigger dreams and objectives.”
This struck a cord, and resonated with some of the people in the room. There was pin-drop silence, followed by the combination of applause and standing ovation for the panelist. The moral of the counsel is that one should not delude, trivialize anything you are passionate about, because it may be your thumb card – called ‘unique selling point” by those in the marketing, advertising and related profession – later in life. While preparing materials for this article, the writer discovered that the political odysseys of the subject is in sync with the advisory. We will come to that shortly.
Many people know that Tajudeen Yusuf, fondly called TeeJay Yusuf was a frontline student activist in the University of Jos. But unknown to friends, associates, admirers, and supporters, his passion for service and commitment to development started years earlier. From reports, concerned about the challenges of transportation infrastructure in his secondary school; St. Augustine’s College, Kabba, Kogi State, the young TeeJay together with his two friends – Raphael Bolaji and Segun Baiyere initiated a fundraiser which culminated in the fixing of the damaged school bus. With this orientation, that he made an early foray into campus political activities at the University of Jos did not surprise those who know this background. For them, it was his natural habitat. Having occupied various positions, he was elected the Welfare Secretary of the Students Union Government.
Thereafter, TeeJay was elected the National Secretary-General of the association. Aside being the engine room of the association, the SG was expected to Lead NANS team to every discussion and meetings with the authorities of Universities in matters of concerns to students including tuition fees, welfare, and other relevant issues. This was at the peak of military rulership led by the then Head of State, late General Sani Abacha. From reports, though it was a difficult task, but TeeJay achieved remarkable successes in some universities who had to reduce tuition fees, improved welfare packages for students, lift bans on SUG activities, and more. For him, consultations was key to these interventions. He said, “we met every structures and ensured that we got their buy-in on any matter. Thereafter, getting approvals by VCs follows seamlessly…it was effective and efficient but required a lot of persuasion and consistency.”
TeeJay emerged as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) for Kogi West Senate, after the primaries.The National Assembly is a familiar environment to him. Recall that he represented Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency – for three consecutive terms; grossing 12 years, and becoming the first legislator from the Okun axis to achieve such record. From empirical reports, he performed excellently in Lawmaking, Representation, and Oversight; the core responsibilities of the Legislature. With over 100 Motions and about 20 Bills, he emerged as one of the top performers in the 7th, 8th, and 9th Assembly. He facilitated projects, programmes and interventions to the entire 30 Wards in the Federal Constituency. Not forgetting some other numerous empowerment and community development initiatives, as well as employment generation for many youths. These feats confirms that where and when passion, commitment,and consistent consultations merge, positive results are inevitable.
Across the country, candidates have embarked on rigorous campaigns. However, TeeJay’s template is different. He has deployed and fine-tune his strategy of consultations. Within the past few weeks, he has held interfaced with major stakeholders in Kogi West. As a person who respects culture, he has visited the Palaces of the Obaro of Kabba, and Chairman, Okun Traditional Council, HRM Oba (Dr) Solomon Owoniyi; Olujumu of Ijumu, HRM Oba Williams Ayeni; Maigari of Lokoja, HRM Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir. Others include Elulu of Mopa, HRM Oba (Dr) Muyiwa Ibeun; Elegbe of Egbe, HRM Oba Ayodele Irukera; Ohimege Igu of Koto, HRM Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu; and Agbana of Isanlu, HRM Oba Moses Etombi. From reports, aside receiving the outpouring of blessings and love by each of the Royal Fathers, TeeJay was serially commended for not only recognizing the strategic position of traditional institutions in politics, leadership, and development, but also starting his rounds of consultations with them.
In the second and third legs of his consultation blitz, TeeJay had engagements with PDP executives in all Wards and LGAs of Kogi West. From reports, the meetings, devoid of officialise has galvanized the opposition party for the Senatorial election. Indeed, there is a re-awakening of the political consciousness, unity, and believe among these officials and party faithful that the PDP’s chances are brighter than it was last year. In between these consultations, TeeJay; imbued with energy, resilience, and capacity for hard work has engaged some Elders and Leaders from Kogi West – he has traversed Kogi, Lagos, Abuja, and a few other locations. Given his social activism background, and mindful that the support of everybody from Kogi West is imperative, TeeJay, at all times leverages on his attributes as a natural bridge-builder, accessibility, and high-worth networking skills in canvassing and marketing his Senatorial aspiration to people.
With about 60 days to the January 16 polls, the reactions of Kogi West electorates to TeeJay’s ambition has been encouraging. Feelers across the entire 85 Wards and 7 LGAs reveals that his aspiration is gaining traction among the people. From information pieced together by the writer, many constituents believes that he has the needed capacity, competence, and credibility to represent Kogi West from June 2027. Chief Adewole Obaniyi, a retired educationist said, “I’m not from his LGA or Federal Constituency but many people from knew, heard, and witnessed his great performances in the House of Representatives. Somebody like TeeJay, will positively impact on all our communities and people as a Senator.”
For Hajiya Ramatu Abdullahi, a Lokoja based politician, “the man is very simple, free, open, and sincere in his words and dealings with people. He is not acting or deceiving people, I have known him since 2012.” A civil servant who pleaded anonymity declared, “though my family is based in Lokoja, my work schedule takes me to every LGA in Kogi West. I know what people say about him and what they feel about his ambition. The prayers, thoughts, and wishes of many people is that he wins the Senatorial election.” True, the road and distance to January 16, 2027 are getting shorter by the day, as TeeJay continues with his consultation-shuttles and campaigns, it is expected that the electorates will match their expectations with necessary actions by trooping to their respective polling units to do the needful.
- BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja.
