By Oluwake Hassan (General Bashexy”
We are now fully in the campaign period, and it is evident everywhere on social media, in graphics, write-ups, videos, and political conversations.
This is normal. Election seasons always come with heightened activity and engagement.
However, my advice to young people and all citizens is simple: stay focused and be development driven.
Campaigns should not be about insults, unnecessary anonymity, or funny distractions. They should be about ideas, performance, and value to the people.
Very early in this conversation, we must be clear about something important, performance must always come first, especially in the legislative arm.
Yes, the constitution allows legislators to spend more time in office because experience matters in lawmaking. But this does not mean automatic continuity. If a legislator is not performing, if he is not representing his people well, such a person should not be allowed to return to office. In fact, the constitution even provides for recall. If a representative is clearly failing, citizens do not need to wait till the end of the term, such a person can be removed.
So it is not about allowing everyone to keep going back. It is about merit.
If a legislator is not doing well, do not repeat him.
If he is underperforming, tell him enough is enough go home and rest.
But if a legislator is doing well, delivering, representing effectively, and adding value, then continuity makes sense. That is how experience in the legislative house becomes meaningful.
We already know this as citizens. We know those who are performing and those who are not. What we need now is constructive criticism, honest conversations, and quality evaluation of deliverables.
This write-up is not saying everyone should return, and it is not saying anyone must be removed by default. It is saying we understand the standard we want, and we should apply it fairly.
The same evaluation applies to those who are newly aspiring for office. Campaigns are a time for scrutiny.
We must look at:
Antecedents
Capacity
Experience
Track record
Understanding of citizens’ needs
Because when we vote, we are not just voting for today, we are negotiating another four years before the next election.
Campaigns are meant to sell candidates, not to fight opponents. Spend less time talking about others and more time explaining why your candidate deserves support. Tell us what your candidate can do, what problem they will solve, and why they are fit for the office.
Beyond politics, we must remember that democracy is here to stay. Since 1999, Nigeria has remained on the democratic path, with power moving from one party to another. It is not perfect, but it can only get better if citizens stay engaged, fair, and peaceful.
Above all, let us remember:
We are Nigerians first.
We are Lagosians first.
And after the elections, we will still live together.
No election is worth violence, hatred, or permanent division.
We can demand better governance, support our candidates, and speak our minds without crossing the line into enmity.
Let us evaluate honestly.
Let us campaign responsibly.
Let us protect our democracy and our unity.
I remain committed to “A Greater Lagos and Renewed Hope Agenda.”
And I strongly believe Nigeria is Blessed & it can only get Better.
Oluwake Hassan (General Bashexy)
