Politics has a peculiar way of revealing what power would rather conceal. When an emerging politician begins to gain popularity, command public attention and alter the calculations of an established political order, the rhetoric around him often changes. What was once friendship can suddenly become rivalry, and what was once loyalty can become an inconvenient memory. This appears to be the emerging dynamic between Senator Binos and PDP senatorial candidate of Adamawa South, Chief Emmanuel Ishaku. The intensity of the recent attacks against Chokali is obviously because of his growing political momentum and increased acceptability by the masses ahead of 2027 polls.
Indeed, one cannot easily reconcile the tone of today with the realities of yesterday. In 2023, Chokali stood firmly behind Binos’ senatorial ambition and even went far as purchasing his nomination form. That was a significant sacrifice made when political calculations were different. Today, however, the same Chokali is being spoken of with a tone that appears to dismiss the relationship that once mattered.
One is therefore compelled to ask: could Binos’ recent utterances be driven, at least in part, by the growing popularity and acceptability of Chokali among the people of Adamawa South and the fear that he could emerge as a formidable challenger in 2027? In politics, fear of losing political ground can sometimes reveal itself through unusually aggressive rhetoric. If Chokali’s support base continues to expand, then the prospect of facing him at the polls may be creating discomfort within an established political camp. Sometimes, the fiercest attacks are not directed at political irrelevance; they are directed at political momentum.
Everybody knows, Chokoli did not just discovered politics, the man has been practising a form of politics rooted in service long before seeking elective office. Through the Chokali Charity Initiative, he has supported widows, empowered youths and reached vulnerable communities without holding elective office. In an environment where many politicians become highly visible only when elections approach, there is political significance in someone attempting to convert years of social intervention into a demand for public trust.
As 2027 drew closer, we ought to give way for civilized politics. No candidate should be attacked simply because he has become politically ambitious. Binos is entitled to disagree with Chokali’s record, ideas or readiness, just as Chokali is entitled to seek the mandate of the people. But disagreement should be based on issues, not insults, and political competition should not require the rewriting of history. If the intention of the attack was to weaken Chokali’s ambition, the emerging reality may suggest otherwise, because his political visibility appears to be growing, his supporters are becoming more vocal, and his acceptability among sections of the electorate continues to generate conversation.Sometimes, an attempt to diminish a political opponent only succeeds in introducing him to a much larger audience.
As 2027 approaches, Adamawa South deserves a contest bigger than personalities, recriminations and political insults. It deserves a contest of records, ideas, competence and vision. Chokali should be judged by what he has done, what he proposes to do and whether he possesses the capacity to represent the senatorial district effectively. When the ballot is finally cast, the people, not the loudest voice in the political arena will have the final word.
Written by Akauyau Solomon
Chokali Media Provost
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