Why Street Credibility Is Now the Most Powerful Asset in Nigerian Elections — A Deep Dive into Oyo State Politics
In modern Nigerian politics, street credibility has become one of the most critical determinants of electoral success — often more influential than political party platforms, financial backing, or name recognition alone. This truth resonates deeply when we examine past elections in Oyo State, where grassroots appeal, personal value outside political banners, and real-world influence have consistently shaped outcomes. For anyone aspiring to high office — especially positions like Governor — understanding and building street credibility is no longer optional; it is essential.
What Is Street Credibility and Why It Matters in Nigerian Elections
At its core, street credibility refers to a politician’s authentic connection with ordinary citizens, their visibility within communities, and proven influence that extends beyond party labels. It’s the kind of trust earned by showing up repeatedly, relating to people’s everyday struggles, and demonstrating real impact over time.
In Nigeria’s democratic system, where loyalty to political parties can be fluid and voters increasingly informed, street credibility has evolved into a powerful currency. Candidates who begin with strong grassroots acceptance can outperform those with flashy campaigns but weak real-world traction.
This concept is best understood through the political journeys of key figures in Oyo State’s recent electoral history.
Case Study: Engineer Seyi Makinde’s Rise from Underdog to Governor
2015 Governorship Election: A Turning Point
In 2015, the political landscape in Oyo State was dominated by heavyweight figures:
Abiola Ajimobi (APC - Incumbent Governor) — 327,310 votes
Rashidi Ladoja (Accord Party - Former Governor) — 254,520 votes
Alao Akala (Labour Party - Former Governor) — 184,111 votes
Senator Teslim Folarin (PDP) — 79,019 votes
Seyi Makinde (Social Democratic Party - SDP) — 54,740 votes
These numbers tell a powerful story.
Despite SDP being a relatively new and unstructured platform, and despite facing seasoned politicians with decades of name recognition and political machinery, Engineer Seyi Makinde — then a politician unknown — secured 54,740 votes. That’s only a fraction behind a major party candidate with far greater resources. For a first-time contender without an established party, that result was remarkable. It signaled promise, acceptance, and, most importantly, a growing grassroots base that resonated with voters beyond traditional political structures.
The 2015 results suggest that if Makinde had been in a well-grounded and structured party, he might have significantly outperformed many of his opponents. His performance illustrated that street credibility can compensate for lack of establishment support, especially when voters are searching for relatable, trustworthy leadership.
2019: Proof That Street Credibility Wins Elections
Fast forward to 2019, Seyi Makinde secured the PDP ticket and faced high-profile opponents once again — including Chief Bayo Adelabu, who was endorsed by prominent political figures such as Governor Ajimobi, Governor Akala, and Senator Teslim Folarin.
Despite the heavyweight backing for his opponents and the political weight of the APC machine, Makinde won convincingly. His victory was not merely a function of party affiliation; it was the culmination of years of genuine engagement with the people of Oyo State.
What changed between 2015 and 2019?
Makinde didn’t just become known; he became trusted. His initial grassroots appeal — demonstrated in an underdog election — translated into widespread support across demographic lines. His story confirmed a critical lesson: street credibility, built over time, can overpower even the most powerful political endorsements.
2023 Elections: What Happens When Street Credibility Is Absent
Now consider the contrasting example of Chief Bayo Adelabu in the 2023 Oyo State elections.
In 2019, Adelabu polled 357,982 votes, but in 2023 — running under the Accord Party — he received only 38,357 votes. This is a dramatic collapse, especially when the state experienced higher voter turnout compared to previous election cycles.
What explains this sharp decline?
Shift from a major party (APC) to a smaller party (Accord) without substantial grassroots groundwork
Lack of sustained street credibility beyond name recognition
Failure to build or maintain a broad mass appeal
Adelabu’s personality and political narrative, influential as they might appear in elite circles, didn’t translate into votes when tested against the electorate’s lived realities. His political value did not persuade a broad base to turn out for him.
This contrast highlights a decisive truth: street credibility isn’t built overnight or through hype — it’s earned through consistent engagement, visibility, and trust.
The Emerging Contender: Oriyomi Hamzat and the Power of Real-World Influence
Amid these shifting dynamics, a new figure has begun to emerge — Oriyomi Hamzat — and his approach reflects the very essence of street credibility.
Unlike traditional politicians who lean heavily on party hierarchy and elite sponsorship, Hamzat’s strength lies in:
A broadcasting career that made him familiar to ordinary citizens
Humanitarian activities that demonstrated care beyond political rhetoric
Philanthropy and public service that translated into positive real-world impact
These factors have elevated his profile not through political maneuvering but through authentic connections with people across different communities.
While he may not yet be the definitive candidate who can win outright, he embodies the core principle of street credibility — relatability, visibility, and demonstrated value outside political institutions.
His official declaration to contest under the Accord Party — relying on his street appeal rather than party machinery — is already setting him apart. This strategy resonates with voters seeking leaders they feel genuinely understand and represent them.
Street Credibility: Not a Substitute, But a Foundation
It’s important to emphasize that street credibility isn’t an argument against political parties or structures. Rather, it’s an acknowledgement that in Nigeria’s evolving democracy, the candidate’s individual value matters as much as the platform they carry.
Political parties should take this reality seriously in candidate selection. Loyalty to a party or alignment with powerful figures is no longer a guaranteed ticket to victory. What determines electoral success today includes:
Key Components of Street Credibility
Authentic Community Engagement
Regular, meaningful interaction with constituents — not just during campaigns.
Visible Public Service
Track record of contributing positively to societal needs before seeking office.
Relatability and Trust
Voters want leaders they know, trust, and believe will advocate for their interests.
Grassroots Appeal Beyond Party Labels
The ability to attract votes based on personal connection rather than party loyalty.
Consistency Over Time
Credibility is cumulative — built through steady involvement and proven commitment.
Conclusion: The Future of Elections in Oyo State and Nigeria
Street credibility has transformed from a political buzzword into a strategic electoral asset. The political journeys of figures like Seyi Makinde and Bayo Adelabu illustrate vividly how grassroots appeal can either elevate a candidate or expose their limitations. And emerging leaders like Oriyomi Hamzat demonstrate that modern voters are increasingly drawn to candidates with genuine public resonance — not just party endorsements.
For political parties, the lesson is clear: choose candidates with real-world value and mass appeal. For aspiring leaders, the path to victory will increasingly depend on building authentic relationships with everyday Nigerians — long before campaigns begin.
In Nigeria’s evolving democratic landscape, street credibility is not just an advantage — it’s a prerequisite for winning elections.
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