11th February, 2011
Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State remains the man to beat in the race to the Lagos house in April, as opposition parties apart from the Peoples Democratic Party, gradually fizzle out, un like in 2007 when he had to contend with political heavyweights like Musiliu Obanikoro and Jimi Agbaje.
This time around, he has only the largely unknown Dr. Ade Dosumu of the PDP to contend with.
Dosumu 47, former Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency is no doubt a good candidate, considering his academic and working experience.
He defeated more experienced politicians like former Minister of State and Internal Affairs, Mr. Demola Seriki, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, Tokunbo Kamson, Owolabi Salis among others to win the PDP governorship ticket courtesy of his godfather Chief Olabode George, who is serving a jail term at kirikiri.
Aside this, Lagosians believe he lack the experience, pedigree and goodwill to challenge the incumbent, Babatunde Raji Fashola, who has been a huge success in the state.
Investigation has revealed that Dosumu is not doing too well with his media campaign while his manifesto is also not in anyway different from the usual promise of roads, water and other infrastructural facilities.
There is absolute no doubt that Dosunmu will need to take a second look at his manifesto in order to make an impact at the April poll in the state.
However, the fact that the coast looks clear for Fashola’s second term has not deterred him from massive media campaign. The momentum has increased in the last few days, with promotional materials on Television and radio stations, posters and newspapers.
He seems visible across the state, promising Lagosians a brighter, rewarding future.