By Rita Ebiuwa
In Ring Road, Benin City, a recent political event saw the All Progressives Congress (APC) attempt to win favor with local commuters by offering free bus rides. However, this initiative was met with notable resistance, reflecting deep dissatisfaction with both the APC and its candidate. This resistance underscores the broader frustrations over the economic and social hardships that Nigerians have endured under the APC’s leadership.
Instead of accepting the free rides, many commuters chose to pay for public buses. This deliberate choice is a strong statement of their disapproval. The offer of free transportation from a party perceived as having failed to address the populace’s needs would have seemed disingenuous, reinforcing the belief that such gestures are mere superficial attempts to influence public opinion rather than meaningful solutions.
The reluctance to board the free buses is also driven by the perception that the APC has nominated a candidate who is seen as incompetent and out of touch with the real issues facing the people. This sentiment is clearly reflected in the commuters’ decision, highlighting a broader rejection of the APC’s governance approach and electoral tactics.
In contrast, the people of Edo State have shown strong support for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo. This shift in support underscores a move away from the APC and a preference for an alternative that the electorate feels is more responsive to their needs.
The choice to pay for public transport rather than accepting the free rides offered by the APC is not just a practical decision but a symbolic act of resistance. It illustrates a collective rejection of a party and candidate perceived as failing to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges. This incident encapsulates the growing sentiment in Edo State: a decisive repudiation of the APC’s leadership and a clear endorsement of the PDP and Asue Ighodalo.
