IBADAN NORTH BY-ELECTION: A Signal of the Continuous Collapse of Confidence in Capitalist Democracy

NLC  TUC, Pro-Masses Organizations Must Initiate and Lead the Process of Forming a  Mass Working People’s Political Alternative Towards the Enthronement of a Socialist Change

The Socialist Party of Nigeria (SPN), Oyo State branch, rejects the false narrative that the recently concluded Ibadan North Federal Constituency 16 August By-election represents a triumph for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) or a validation of the so-called pro-people approach of the Makinde-led government in the state. On the contrary, the election is once again a clear demonstration of the disappointment of the  ordinary people in the failure of the pro-capitalist politicians including Makinde to use the human and material resources of the country for the benefit of the majority.

Therefore, with less than 14% of the over 217,980 registered voters turning out, the result reflects not enthusiasm for the PDP but a collapse of trust in the system as a whole. Despite widespread allegations of vote buying, the PDP candidate could not secure more than 18,404 votes, while the APC candidate managed only 8,313 votes. In other words, when compared to the huge number of registered voters who boycotted the poll, it is clear that neither of the two dominant capitalist parties commands a genuine mass support.

This suggests that the initial popularity once enjoyed by Governor Seyi Makinde among a layer of the working people—though driven by propaganda and populist programmes—has now worn thin. The erosion of confidence in the Makinde administration is largely a direct result of its anti-people policies, designed to satisfy the self-serving interests of the elite rather than the working masses. The recent decision to renovate the Government House at a staggering cost of 64 billion naira, which was met with widespread criticism and condemnation from the working people, is a glaring example of the regime’s misplaced priorities. The act of lavishing such a huge sum on a project that benefits only the privileged few, while neglecting the pressing needs of the working people, is a clear indication that the Makinde-led government, like every other capitalist government at the state and federal level, cannot be trusted to satisfy the interests of the working masses on a sustainable basis.

It is in this light that we conclude the so-called victory of the PDP is hollow. It does not signify a growing support for the party but instead reveals the vacuum of credible alternatives available to the masses. Similarly, the humiliating defeat of the APC, despite Makinde’s declining influence, underlines the failure of the Tinubu-led APC government at the national level, whose anti-people policies have made life more miserable for the mass of working people across the country. The reality is that both parties as well as the ADC, adopted by another section of corrupt capitalist politicians, remain trapped in the same anti-poor capitalist framework that prioritizes the interests of the rich over the needs of the majority.

This By-election also confirms the continuing collapse of confidence in capitalist democracy—a system that has nothing to offer working people beyond broken promises, deepening inequality, and endless suffering. However, without an independent working-class political alternative   rejecting the capitalist parties will only result in wasted anger and frustration, expressed in apathy while the capitalist elite tighten their grip on power.

It is in this context that the SPN reiterates its age-long call on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), plus the Trade Union Congress (TUC), pro-masses’ organisations and left parties to immediately take bold steps to initiate and lead the process of forming a genuine mass party of the working people. Such a party, armed with socialist programmes and prepared to challenge the ruling class on all fronts, is urgently needed. Only a government formed by this kind of political party can ensure that the wealth of society, which is collectively owned, is democratically managed in the interest of all, and directed towards building a future of equality, justice, and true democracy.

Ayodeji Adigun

SPN State Secretary

Email: [email protected]