It is a pleasure to start by congratulating Mr President, Bola Tinubu, on our success at the polls, though it never came as a surprise considering the years, efforts and resources you have personally put into the project.
It equally did not come to us—genuine party men – as a surprise as we gave it our all despite daunting challenges.
Your Excellency, considering your antecedents and qualities as a leader, we are sure that you are aware of the nature of politics without ideology that has characterised our democratic experience over the years of which we are fully cognisant of your disdain for such style of politicking.
Over the years, it has become common practice to see politicians whose sole aim is to be a part of any government in power, jostling to defect to the winning party after elections and also members of the party (APC) who contribute little or nothing to the party playing Abuja politics.
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It is hoped and anticipated that you being a well-grounded politician and a loyal party man that endured in the opposition despite the challenges of doing so till it became a ruling party, know and appreciate the value of rewarding loyalty.
The last election showed the true colour of supposedly big men that have profited from the party but could not deliver even as minute a unit as their polling unit. These men are now hobnobbing and jostling on how to remain relevant and eat from the cake they were not a part of the baking.
Another very dangerous category are party men that openly displayed anti-party tendencies under the guise of religious fanaticism, a lot of whom caused loss of valuable votes. These categories of politicians are very dangerous and untrustworthy as they would continue to serve as in-house enemies to the party.
Sir, it is expected that the party would design a template that would screen all would-be appointees based on their contributions to the success of the party over the years and at the last general elections. This we believe would enshrine the culture of ideology in our democracy.
It still baffles young politicians like me how someone who fought the party and tried unwholesome political antics during the elections to see that the party does not succeed would turn around overnight and try to reap where they did not sow.
As the street adage goes “You can’t work for GTB and expect your salary to come from First Bank”; likewise, they can’t work for the opposition and expect their reward from the APC.
It is hoped that my letter meets you well and that points noted would be taken into consideration as it would go a long way in shaping the mentality of we the young politicians going forward.
Thank you and may Allah’s guidance and protection continue to trail you and may your administration be the best. May you bequeath to us a united, secured and prosperous Nigeria.
Mustapha Garba Abdullah wrote from Jos, Plateau State
