Politics
MR Suage A. Badey, a Development Advocate, has declined calls by the Progressive Rivers Reformers (PRR) to contest the Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives in the 2027 general elections.
Badey made his position known on Sunday while receiving a delegation of the group, which had visited him to urge him to join the race.
According to him, his decision is informed by concerns over what he described as “politics of thuggery, imposition and outright electoral fraud” in the country’s political system.
He said that Nigeria required comprehensive political and electoral reforms before citizens could fully enjoy the dividends of democracy.
“My experience over the years tells me that the Nigerian state needs a complete overhaul before the dividends of democracy can be attained through a credible electoral system and an enlightened electorate,” he said.
Badey blamed both the political class and the electorate for the nation’s governance challenges, alleging that electoral malpractice and voter complacency had contributed to the emergence of leaders who failed to prioritise the welfare of the people.
He lamented the absence of clearly defined political ideologies and development blueprints among many political actors, noting that the situation had weakened democratic governance.
“The governed continually sell their rights by capitulating to electoral malpractices, giving rise to insensitive political actors with little or no empathy for the people.
“This unfortunate derailment is a self-inflicted consequence. The result is the emergence of a rogue democracy that does not truly reflect the aspirations of the people,” he said.
Badey maintained that free, fair and credible elections remained the only viable path to achieving good governance and sustainable development in the country.
He also urged political office holders to embrace the principles of servant leadership by placing the interests and welfare of the people above personal gains.
The development advocate further called on the people of Ogoni to engage constructively with their elected representatives and political leaders to promote accountability and responsible governance.
Badey thanked the PRR delegation for the confidence reposed in him and acknowledged their belief in his capacity to provide effective representation.
He, however, said that his current priority was community development and peace-building initiatives in Ogoniland through the Albert Badey Center for Development (ABCD Foundation), established in memory of his late father.
According to him, leadership and service should not be measured solely by the occupation of political office.
“We can all serve in diverse ways, bearing in mind that service is a commitment and not a title,” he said.
Badey urged political stakeholders in Ogoni to embrace peace and set aside unnecessary rivalries in order to create an enabling environment for meaningful development.
He also wished the Progressive Rivers Reformers success in their advocacy for a better Ogoni and Rivers State.
The PRR had approached Badey to contest the Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency seat, citing the belief among some stakeholders that it was Gokana’s turn to produce the federal lawmaker in 2027.
F.O
Tags: Badey