Where is Muhammad Nami Physically? The Gap Between Media Campaign and Ground Politics
Yes, Mohammed Nami is campaigning on TV, on Radio and on Social Media. People see the jingles, they see the posts. But politics in Niger State is not won on TV and Radio alone.
The question many are asking is: Where is he physically?
The physical public domain is empty. No ward-to-ward tour, no LGA-to-LGA handshake, no direct contact with the grassroots across the 25 Local Government Areas.
You cannot win Niger State without being seen physically by the people.
Don't be carried away by media noise._ The truth is, most of the noise on TV, Radio and Social Media does not have PVC. Elections are not done and are not decided on TV screens or on Facebook comments. Elections are decided in the villages, in the wards, in the polling units where real voters with voter cards thumbprint. If your campaign is only on air, you are campaigning to an audience that may not even vote. Ground politics is different from media politics.
On the other side is Farmer Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of the APC. Whether you support him or not, he has structure on ground. As incumbent, he has gone around the 25 LGAs before and even now he is touching places directly or indirectly through projects and people. That is the advantage of incumbency and early ground work.
For Nami as a new entrant into partisan politics, this is where the problem is. In this game, two things matter: Capacity and Numbers.
Capacity is not just your fine CV from Kaduna financial sector to Chairman of FIRS. Political capacity is physical capacity. Can you stand before the people in Kontagora, in Bida, in Suleja, in Mokwa, in Agwara and other local governments to convince them? Numbers matter and not online. Think of how you can pull real human beings who will vote and defend their votes without insult or digging a ditch for others to finish your political career.
Nami, are you waiting for Farmer Governor Bago to finish his own round before you start? That will be a political mistake. You don't wait for an incumbent to set the pace. It means you don't know what politics is all about.
And there is another quiet talk on the streets - hope you are not being used for others to make money? Out of you, some people should not be cashing out while your own political future suffers. Have a rethink.
So many things have been said about your personality over time, from your days in Kaduna in the financial institution to your time as FIRS Chairman. Some good, some not good, while some very ugly. The only way to correct any narrative is physical presence.
And remember this: Campaign is on basics, not by throwing stones at opponents. Your campaign media has been basically negative - accusing the opposition of stealing money, buying houses and so on. Can you really stand before Niger voters and tell them that from Kaduna to FIRS you are God-sent and spotless? People who live in glass houses don't throw stones. Niger voters want to hear what you will do for them on security, agriculture, jobs, roads and power - not what your opponent allegedly bought. What new developments or sustainable projects will you bring?!
If you are truly in the farm making ridges to plant as you claim, then also watch the hoe in your hands. Because in Niger politics, media campaign without ground presence and issue-based message is like planting seeds without being on the farm.
Come down from TV and Radio and meet the people physically. That is where the election will be decided.
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