Participation in Politics And The Monetary Influence Game: Why Odidiomo Stands Tall || By Isiaka Kehinde.
Politics is fundamentally a contest of ideas, vision, and commitment to the common good—not a marketplace where leadership is auctioned to the highest bidder.
Citizens should choose their leaders based on competence, character, vision, and the capacity to deliver meaningful development rather than on fleeting financial inducements.
When political support is purchased with money, it often becomes an investment that the politician seeks to recover later at the expense of the public interest.
The renowned philosopher, Ike Odimegwu, in his work Philosophic Foundations of Politics, traces the evolution of politics and critically examines its various definitions, taking into account its social and dynamic nature.
One of the most instructive definitions he discusses is that of Harold Lasswell, who viewed politics from the perspective of influence. In his famous formulation, Politics: Who Gets What, When, How?, Lasswell argues that “the study of politics is the study of influence and the influential.”
This definition readily comes to mind when considering the conduct of some contemporary political aspirants who rely heavily on financial inducement to compensate for their lack of developmental vision.
Such politicians seek to manipulate public opinion through temporary gifts and insincere charm rather than through concrete programmes and ideas capable of transforming society.
During a discussion with Rt. Hon. Stanley Odidiomo, on this political trend, he dismissed it as a strategy employed by politicians who lack vision and tangible campaign programmes.
“I don’t have to be in competition with anybody. I see myself as a friend to all.
“Even in the House, I am known as someone who is approachable and affable. I do not have to use thuggery or money power to influence voters.
“I spend money only when it is necessary because I believe in creating enduring legacies that will stand the test of time and benefit the larger society, not just a handful of individuals.”
From this brief but profound response, one sees a politician focused on clearly defined goals rather than short-term political theatrics.
Like a disciplined footballer who keeps his eyes firmly on the ball, Odidiomo remains focused on achieving meaningful outcomes while leaving opponents guessing about his next move.
His disposition reflects the existentialist ethic of deep personal commitment to a noble cause.
It is, therefore, not surprising that Ike Odimegwu ultimately concludes that:
“Politics, as a human phenomenon, is a social activity directed towards the realization of some common good or what is conceived as an ideal society.”
A practical demonstration of this philosophy can be seen in Odidiomo’s recent inauguration of digital learning centres in four secondary schools across Ibadan.
Speaking during the commissioning of the facilities, he described the initiative as merely “the tip of the iceberg”—the beginning of a broader educational agenda aimed at expanding digital learning opportunities to all nine local government areas in Oyo South.
This reaffirmation of his commitment to educational development offers a glimpse of the kind of representation he intends to provide if elected to the Senate.
Rather than distributing bags of money to secure temporary loyalty, he appears determined to invest in projects that will create lasting value for future generations.
As the people of Oyo South evaluate those seeking to represent them, they should consider the difference between politics driven by vision and politics driven by financial inducement.
Issue-based campaigns and sustainable development initiatives remain the global best practice in democratic societies.
Ultimately, citizens stand to gain more from leaders with clear developmental agendas and sincere intentions than from those whose political appeal rests solely on monetary influence.
My name is Isiaka Kehinde, I Think, Therefore, I Am.
