Chief Mustapha Abdulhakeem Owolabi, the Akinfiwatolu of Egbaland, has called on residents to heed human rights lawyer Femi Falana's warnings about rigged party primaries. Speaking on Sunday, the Egba leader said Falana's caution against candidate imposition and democratic erosion carries urgent relevance ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship race.
Falana delivered a keynote address at Penpushing Media's eighth annual lecture in Abeokuta, where he stressed that credible elections depend on transparent primaries. Chief Owolabi, who chairs the Egba Agenda Forum, said this message must resonate with Ogun citizens as the state prepares for its coming election.
The Egba chief argued that democracy cannot take root where its foundation is weak. A flawed primary process produces a government without moral legitimacy or real accountability, he said.
"If Femi Falana says electoral integrity begins with transparent party primaries, then every democrat must pay attention," Owolabi declared. "When candidates are imposed and the wishes of party members are ignored, democracy has already been defeated before the general election is held."
Owolabi criticised the process that saw Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola emerge as the All Progressives Congress preferred governorship aspirant. He contended that credible indigenous Egba sons and daughters with proven competence were sidelined in the selection.
The Egba leader stressed the issue transcends personal ambition or factional politics. It concerns justice, equity, and democratic values, he explained.
"It is painful that accomplished indigenous Egba sons and daughters who have served Nigeria with distinction could be subtly pushed aside through a process that many believe did not provide a level playing field," Owolabi said. "Democracy is about competition, not coronation or imposition."
The chairman of the MAO Movement for Change acknowledged that Ogun West deserves a genuine shot at producing the state's governor. He said the principle of inclusiveness should be upheld.
"We acknowledge that our brothers and sisters from Egbado or Yewa deserve a genuine opportunity to occupy the governorship seat. That is not in dispute," he noted.
"However, such an opportunity must emerge through a transparent, democratic, and credible process that reflects the will of party members and the people."
Yet Ogun State requires a leader whose identity and roots in the state are beyond question, Owolabi maintained. The governorship ought not to become mired in disputes over identity or political imposition, he added.
He urged traditional rulers, opinion leaders, professional bodies, and civil society groups across Egbaland to defend fairness and internal democracy. Silence in the face of perceived imposition, particularly one involving identity questions, would damage Ogun's democratic future, he warned.
"Our people must not overlook Falana's message," Owolabi stressed. "Electoral integrity starts with credible party primaries.
Once the foundation is compromised, governance itself becomes compromised."
