When Courtesy Visits Turn to Look Like Political Endorsements:

By: AbdulGaniy Salaudeen Olododo,
Agbona, Asa LGA.
APC Party Man,
Political Grassrooter.

In every democratic society, political actors, PR strategists and Social media handlers must exercise caution in their public engagements, especially when the electoral process is still ongoing.

Public office comes with enormous influence, and every official action is subject to public interpretation.

The recent Eid-el-Kabir visit by the Executive Governor of Kwara State and the Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly to the Lagos residence of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, though presented as a festive greeting, has generated widespread public discussion.

Similarly, the "Welcome Back" visit to the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, also attracted considerable attention.

While there is nothing unusual about paying homage to the President during festive periods or welcoming the Emir back after his medical trip, what has raised eyebrows is how these visits have been interpreted and presented in certain quarters.

To many observers, the events appeared to have gone beyond courtesy calls and gradually assumed the outlook of a political presentation or endorsement of a supposed Kwara APC governorship candidate.

This perception is particularly significant because the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not officially concluded its governorship and elected offices primary election ahead of the 2027 general elections.

No candidate has emerged through the constitutionally recognised internal democratic process of the party.

The implication of projecting any individual as a preferred or endorsed governorship candidate before the party's primary process is concluded could send dissatisfaction, exclusiveness and wrong signal to party faithful and the wider public.

It may create unnecessary political tension, fuel speculation, and undermine confidence in the credibility of the primary election process.

The royal institution has traditionally remained above partisan politics, serving as a father to all regardless of political affiliation.

Likewise, official government engagements should avoid creating impressions that could be interpreted as conferring political legitimacy or endorsement where none officially exists.

Political ambition is legitimate.

However, the pathway to leadership in a democratic system is through transparent competition, internal party democracy, and the will of party members —not through public perception arising from ceremonial visits.

As stakeholders continue to prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle, all political actors are encouraged to uphold democratic principles, respect due process, and allow the APC's primary election process concluded to determine its flag bearer without actions that may be perceived as prejudging the outcome.

In politics, perception often shapes public opinion as much as reality.

Therefore, leaders and public office holders must remain mindful that every public appearance carries a message beyond its stated purpose.