By Kelvin Adegbenga
My attention has been drawn to recent claims by Mr. Omoyele Sowore alleging that his failed protest in Abuja led to the promotion of 29,000 police officers.
While political rhetoric is not new in our national discourse, this particular assertion is not only misleading but also an unjust attempt to take credit for a process he had no role in influencing.
For the avoidance of doubt, police promotions in Nigeria follow established and transparent criteria. These include merit, seniority, discipline, qualifications, and overall performance.
Institutions do not operate on emotions or street theatrics; they operate on structure, due process, and professional evaluation.
It is therefore absurd for anyone to suggest that a protest, especially one that did not achieve any tangible public support or policy response, suddenly became the basis for promotions across the Nigeria Police Force.
This pattern of political self-advertisement, where every national development is appropriated as a personal achievement, must stop. Credibility in leadership requires honesty and accountability, not revisionist storytelling.
We understand that Mr Sowore is clearly building momentum for his next presidential attempt in 2027. That is his constitutional right. However, nation-building cannot be grounded in exaggerations and self-serving narratives.
Seeking public office demands truthfulness, maturity, and respect for institutions.
Nigeria is moving forward, and our citizens have become more politically aware and discerning. This country deserves leaders who elevate political debate, not those who attempt to profiteer from falsehood or distort facts for personal gain.
Sowore should focus on articulating real solutions to Nigeria’s pressing challenges rather than claiming glory for developments he neither initiated nor contributed to.
Our democracy needs sincerity, substance, and responsible engagement, not sensationalism packaged as activism.
The future of this nation is too important to be entrusted to anyone who believes political ambition is best pursued through misleading claims and unnecessary grandstanding.
Kelvin Adegbenga writes from Lagos. @kelvinadegbenga kelvinadegbenga@yahoo.com
