Babatunde Olarewaju, popularly called Bob Tarner, is a public health expert, chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former senatorial aspirant for Lagos-East in the 2020 by-election.
In this exclusive interview with INIOBONG IWOK, he unveiled his plans for the ADC in Lagos State if elected chairman in the state’s congress holding in few weeks. He also promised to build a winning structure across Lagos, relying on grassroots strength, not godfatherism. Excerpts:
What inspired your decision to contest for the position of Lagos State Chairman of the ADC?
Experience, commitment and leadership skills over the years are the key inspirations.
What experiences within the party qualify you for this leadership role?
My political profile that I’ll share with you, will speak to that. Having used almost five decades in politics and with political juggernauts for tutelage can’t be wished away on experiences from UPN era till this day.
How has your political journey prepared you for this responsibility?
From 1977, I have been drawn into politics by the late S. I. Sanuth (Headmaster), Pa WA Kujenya, late GK Raheem, leader Oshodi and others towards Primrose of the Great CP – Chief Dapo Sarumi, has propped up enough experience. For me, I have been there politically running from UPN era, through to the SDP, DPN, PFN, PDM, PDP days and now to ADC.
These means a lot, with substantially support for winners all along. More so, my late Mom was a politician as well as my brother Mubashir Olanrewaju (May their souls rest in peace). I hail from a politically-awakened family.
How do you plan to strengthen the ADC structure across Lagos State?
I won’t allow anyone pry into, or spy on our plans. I’m not only in it, a body of youthful politicians-males and females- has been together for over a year on those plans. When you see the details of our objectives, I’m sure you’ll marvel.
What will you do to ensure internal democracy and fairness in party primaries?
Primaries are held in different Wards, Constituencies, Local Governments and at the state level. At each of those levels are leaders, women and youths of substance in the party.
Decisions will flow from them.
They are the one that will eventually do the voting and mobilise others. Family settings wouldn’t be left out. Marketers, business owners will contribute and finalised by Elders.
Aspirations will be minimal as you’ll need to go through and be accepted by your community.
Influencers will have roles to play too.
How do you intend to handle internal conflicts or divisions within the party?
Our objectives have a six-legged star and with the 6-prong approach, the 4th is to ensure friendliness and collaboration amongst leaders and elders through collegiate leadership. We will protect against external interference by preventing anyone, external or internal interfere in affairs that is not related to their immediate concern. We are not unaware of how they destabilise the other party to achieve the aim of one-party system. No single person will be allowed lordship. We all own ADC and the party constitution is supreme and will be our guide.
How will you improve membership engagement and attract new members, especially youths?
“Positives attract positives” as enunciated in the law of attraction. The law of the Big Mo by John C Maxwell will come in as taught in the principle that guides The Big Momentum.
Maintaining a positive mindset and actions which creates a magnet effect that draws similar positive outcomes, opportunities, and people into the party.
The concept tied to the Law of Attraction focuses on constructive thoughts of optimism, rather than negatives.
What is your vision for ADC in Lagos over the next four years?
To have the electorates on the side of ADC in order to win elective offices, especially the presidency and gubernatorial elections and their affiliated national and state Assemblies. For me to have a strong and viable party structure from the wards to state level.
All elected ADC members will be monitored to perform at their constituency area. Hence, no re-election for such a person.
How do you plan to make the party more competitive against dominant parties in the state?
Politicians don’t make up to 3percent of the voting population. Already the people are on our side. We only need surveillance and matchups towards what they are known for. We will ensure they taste the opposition side by winning the highest number of seats available for contest.
What strategies will you adopt to increase the party’s visibility and acceptance among Lagos voters?
I will not make that open to the public.
How will you ensure greater inclusion of youths and women in party leadership and decision-making?
Thirty percent inclusion of women and youths is a constitutional right available to both provided they make themselves available as a competitive advantage. They must get it at a no cost reasonable to Elders.
What are the major challenges facing ADC in Lagos currently?
Virtually none. We are growing geometrically.
How do you intend to overcome funding and resource challenges within the party?
The late sage – Pa Obafemi Awolowo- overcame that with membership subscription. We will adopt such means. Competitive donations are welcomed. Diaspora connection is another angle.
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