20/09/2026
LEADERSHIP SHOULD BE JUDGED BY SERVICE, NOT RELIGIOUS TITLES
In every election, citizens have the responsibility to look beyond titles, religious affiliations, political slogans and campaign promises. A person may describe himself as a minister of God, a community leader, philanthropist or professional, but ultimately, the people should examine the person's conduct, record of service, policies and commitment to the community.
Being a minister of God is a religious calling, while political leadership is a public responsibility. The two should not automatically be treated as the same thing. A candidate's faith may be important to that individual, but voters should also ask practical questions: What has this person done for the people? How does he treat people of different religious backgrounds? What plans does he have for education, healthcare, employment, infrastructure and youth empowerment? And, importantly, can his promises be measured after he assumes office?
Nigeria has seen politicians combine religious language with political campaigns. One documented example occurred during the 2015 presidential campaign, when then-vice-presidential candidate Yemi Osinbajo joined passengers on a Lagos BRT bus and used the opportunity to campaign for Muhammadu Buhari and speak about the need for political change.
The lesson for voters should not be to condemn religious expression. Rather, it is that citizens should distinguish campaign activities from a person's long-term record. What matters after the campaign is whether the person continues to serve, listen and remain accountable to the people.
SERVICE SHOULD SPEAK
This is where the public record surrounding Hon. Roseson Francis Obasi, popularly known as Donko, can be examined.
According to his campaign's published information, Donko is the APGA candidate for the Abia State House of Assembly representing Aba Central State Constituency. His stated priorities include economic empowerment, youth development, healthcare, education, infrastructure and opportunities for local businesses.
His campaign also states that, through the Donko Care Foundation, he has supported people through healthcare assistance, traders' welfare interventions and community activities before seeking elective office. These are claims that citizens can examine, verify and compare with the records of other candidates.
This raises an important question for every voter: Should we judge political candidates mainly by what they say about themselves, or should we also examine what they have consistently done?
For me, leadership should be measured by service.
EMPOWERMENT BEYOND HANDOUTS
There is an important difference between giving someone temporary assistance and helping people develop the ability to support themselves.
The popular saying, "Don't give me fish; teach me how to fish," captures the importance of sustainable empowerment. Political representation should not only be about occasional gifts. It should also involve creating opportunities, supporting education and skills, encouraging entrepreneurship, improving healthcare and advocating for infrastructure that allows people to build better lives.
According to Donko's published agenda, his proposed approach includes youth development, practical skills, digital literacy, support for local businesses and infrastructure advocacy.
Whether these plans can be achieved is ultimately something voters should assess carefully.
RELIGION SHOULD NOT DIVIDE THE PEOPLE
Aba Central is made up of people from different religious backgrounds, professions, communities and economic circumstances.
A political representative should therefore be prepared to serve every constituent, regardless of whether the person attends a church, mosque or another place of worship.
Religious faith can inspire compassion and service, but public office carries a responsibility to everyone.
Therefore, rather than asking only, "Which candidate calls himself a minister of God?", citizens should also ask:
- What is the candidate's record of service?
- What practical programmes has the candidate supported?
- What are the candidate's plans for young people?
- What is the candidate's position on education and healthcare?
- What will the candidate do for traders, artisans and small businesses?
- How accessible will the candidate be after the election?
- How will the candidate be held accountable?
These questions can help voters make informed decisions based on evidence rather than emotion.
ABA CENTRAL DESERVES INFORMED CITIZENS
Hon. Roseson Obasi Donko is contesting under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Aba Central State Constituency. His published campaign platform describes a people-centred approach focused on economic opportunity, infrastructure, healthcare, education and grassroots accessibility.
Citizens should examine these promises, compare them with those of other candidates, ask questions and make their own decisions.
Politics should not be about misleading people in the name of God. Neither should it be about rejecting someone simply because that person speaks about religion. The real responsibility of the voter is to examine character, record, plans, accountability and service to humanity.
Let us therefore encourage every candidate to show the people what they have done, what they intend to do and how they intend to do it.
Let the people ask questions.
Let the candidates present their records.
Let the people compare the plans.
And let every eligible voter make an informed decision about the future of Aba Central.
Written by:
Nwanjoku Henry Nnamdi
