By General Bashexy
As political conversations gradually shift toward 2027, one principle must guide every serious political party: elections are about numbers. Not the size of rallies. Not the noise on social media. Not assumptions about loyalty. Numbers.
The last general election, particularly in Lagos State, revealed an important lesson. Campaign grounds were filled. Support groups were active. Visibility was high. Yet, when the final results were announced, the numbers told a more complex story. Crowd energy did not fully translate into votes. That reality demands reflection and strategic adjustment.
If elections are truly about numbers, then candidate selection must also be about strategy, credibility, and measurable value.
First, popularity matters, genuine grassroots popularity. A candidate who is deeply rooted in the community, accessible to constituents, and trusted because of past conduct carries natural political capital. Popularity is not about temporary excitement; it is built over time through engagement, service, and visibility in moments that matter.
When people believe in a candidate’s character and antecedents, mobilization becomes easier. Volunteers work harder. Voters turn out with conviction. Undecided citizens become persuadable. In a competitive political environment like Lagos, that kind of organic support is indispensable.
Second, performance must determine who returns to office. Re-election should never be automatic. It should be earned.
For lawmakers and public office holders, measurable performance must be the benchmark. What projects have been delivered? What legislation has been sponsored or supported that directly benefits constituents? What interventions have improved lives in practical terms? Have infrastructure promises been fulfilled? Have communities seen visible progress?
These are not abstract questions. They are the real campaign tools of any serious party. When a candidate can point to tangible achievements like roads constructed, schools improved, jobs facilitated, healthcare access expanded—that record becomes persuasive. Voters respond to evidence. They respond to results.
Third, political organization must remain data driven. In one of my earlier articles, I drew attention to a critical gap within the party that many committed members did not possess Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which ultimately limited our electoral strength. I appreciate the fact that this concern was taken seriously and that a strategic adjustment followed. The decision to encourage and in some cases require PVC registration as part of strengthening party structures demonstrated responsiveness and foresight. Membership without voting eligibility does not win elections. But registered members with PVCs represent mobilizable strength. That strategic listening and adaptation deserve commendation.
Furthermore, sentiment must give way to credibility. Elections should not be reduced to religion, ethnicity, internal favoritism, or emotional calculations. While identity politics may influence conversations, sustainable victory depends on competence and public trust.
The focus must be on credible candidates, individuals with proven integrity, leadership capacity, and respect for party structure. Leaders who can unify diverse constituencies. Leaders who understand governance and are committed to delivering democratic dividends to all citizens, regardless of background.
Looking ahead, there is confidence among many party faithful that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure a second term in 2027. However, confidence alone does not produce a convincing mandate. A strong and seamless victory, especially in strategic states like Lagos requires careful candidate selection at every level of government.
The margin matters. The message matters. And the candidates matter.
If the party prioritizes popular, well-performing, and credible individuals, those who are respected within their communities and backed by measurable achievements. It strengthens not only its electoral chances but also its long-term legitimacy.
In the end, elections are not won by excitement alone. They are won through preparation, performance, and people centered leadership. The lesson is clear: numbers decide outcomes. And numbers are earned through credibility, organization, and results.
As 2027 approaches, the path to victory is straightforward… choose wisely, measure performance honestly, mobilize strategically, and let the numbers speak.
Our Greater Lagos is here to stay and I am forever glued to the Renewed Hope Agenda..
Nigeria my country.
General Bashexy, writes from Ikorodu.
