When Data Becomes an Enemy : Professor Speaks, and the Mob Panics By: Ndanusa Mohammed Manzuma, PhD

When Data Becomes an Enemy : Professor Speaks, and the Mob Panics

By: Ndanusa Mohammed Manzuma, PhD

The recent wave of social media outrage directed at Prof. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman is, at best, amusing and at worst, a troubling reflection of how far we have drifted from reasoned political engagement. One would have thought that in an era where “evidence-based policy” is the mantra, a Professor of Political Science offering a candid electoral assessment would be commended and use to assess, redesign and strategize going forward. Instead, we are treated to a circus of digital outrage led by self-appointed spokespersons and keyboard warriors masquerading as defenders of regional interest. Those who has responded by bullying the erudite Professor rather than taking the message and leave the messenger will always have their day with history.

Let us be clear: Prof. Sulaiman did not commit a crime. He did what scholars and serious political actors are expected to do: analyze, interpret, and present reality as it is, not as some wish it to be. Perhaps, the outrage is because he is an interested party and as aspirant under the same ruling party but that doesn't change the facts.

 Facts are Stubborn Things

Kwara State’s electoral history is not hidden in some mystical archive it is public, empirical, and instructive. Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, governorship victories have consistently been shaped by a delicate balance of political structure, voter distribution, and strategic zoning considerations. Kwara Central, with its demographic advantage and political dominance, has historically played a decisive role in determining electoral outcomes.

Even in moments where other regions have produced candidates, success has often depended on cross-regional alliances particularly strong backing from Kwara Central. The 2019 “O to ge” political wave further reinforced this dynamics, demonstrating that electoral victory in Kwara is less about emotional zoning rhetoric and more about coalition strength and political realism. 

We need Kwara Central and South to win election even if it is zoned to the North. Attacking real and imaginary enemies based on their expressions might hunt us as a region now or later. Let the youths thread with caution.

So, when Prof. Sulaiman describes the idea of zoning the APC governorship ticket to Kwara North as “risky,” he is not engaging in sabotage, he is stating an inconvenient truth grounded in electoral arithmetic at his disposal.

 The Comedy of Misplaced Outrage

What we are witnessing from some quarters is less about defending Kwara North and more about defending personal ambition disguised as regional advocacy. The loudest critics, many of whom have suddenly discovered their “northern identity” only when it suits political calculations, are quick to attack the message because it disrupts their preferred narrative. We have maintained consistency overtime and this trajectory will remain until a Kwara Northern occupies Ahmadu Bello Government House Ilorin. What is unacceptable is character assassination and maligning of hard earned reputation because the person holds a contrary views.

If sarcasm were a currency, these critics would be billionaires rich in noise, bankrupt in substance.

 Let Principals Speak, Not Proxies 

More importantly, the growing trend of political foot soldiers launching attacks in the name of their principals is both irresponsible and counterproductive. If any aspirant holds a contrary view to that expressed by Prof. Sulaiman, the dignified and democratic approach is simple: speak up, present your argument, and engage in constructive debate.

Hiding behind overzealous supporters who throw verbal stones from the safety of anonymity only weakens the credibility of the aspirant they claim to represent. Leadership demands courage, not proxy outrage. We also love and cherished the aspirants from Kwara North, because they are our brothers and friends. The agitation for zoning is legit and enjoy our blessings but not the approach exhibited by the pen worriors.

 No One Has Monopoly Over Kwara North

Equally important is the reminder that those shouting the loudest do not possess any exclusive mandate to speak for Kwara North. The region is not a monolith, nor is it a personal estate to be defended by political apprentices seeking relevance. "There is freedom of speech but remember, there could be no freedom after the speech".

Kwara North is home to diverse voices, interests, and perspectives. To suggest that one faction’s opinion represents the collective will of the region is not only arrogant but intellectually dishonest.

 A Call for Political Maturity

At a time when Nigeria and indeed Kwara State needs more informed and rational political discourse, silencing critical voices through coordinated attacks is a dangerous path. Instead, the zone and concerned aspirants are to redesign their strategy based on the thinking of other zones. Today it is a professor being attacked for sharing his perspectives; tomorrow it could be anyone who dares to think differently especially if it runs contrary to the views of the attackers.

The real issue is not what Prof. Sulaiman said; it is the discomfort it has caused among those who prefer comforting illusions over hard realities.

 Conclusion

In politics, as in life, facts do not cease to exist because they are inconvenient. Prof. Sulaiman has offered a perspective rooted in experience, scholarship, and practical political engagement. Whether one agrees or disagrees, the response should be intellectual not emotional, not abusive, and certainly not orchestrated outrage.

If anything, this episode has exposed a deeper issue: a growing intolerance for truth when it collides with ambition.

And perhaps that is the real risk: not zoning, not strategy, but a political culture that punishes honesty and rewards noise.

 Ndanusa Mohammed Manzuma, PhD

 Writes from Kigali, Republic of Rwanda