POLITICAL PARTIES AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR WARD CHAIRMEN;

Political parties in Nigeria and the various ward Chairmen and leaders at the grassroots, are the engine room that galvanizes the parties electoral victories at the polls.

The Ward Chairmen are however, today being sidelined by many political parties particularly so, by aspirants and even the party leadership at the top of system itself and this, in our nascent democracy, does not build the proper foundation for the growth and sustenance of a harmonious and cordial relationship with the electorates.



In every democratic setting, ward Chairmen are the rallying points for the electorates and this is where the thrust of any political gathering is sourced. Aspirants with the right link with their constituents are easily identified as they enjoy strong bond with the populace who are otherwise, termed as "grassroots" politicians and as such, worth their salt.

Succinctly put, the Chairman or Chairmen of these wards are supposedly, ought to be treated with respect as they have the knowledge and capabilities to move their people to political relevance.

In a brief chat with NAIJ NEWS ALERT, Prince Mayor O. Mayor, a political leader at the grassroots and Chairman of the Forum of Ward Chairmen in Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta state, under the platform the All Progressive Congress, APC decried the manner at which Ward Chairmen have been abandoned and left to perform their statutory duties to their party without much support and encouragement.

Apostle Mayor however disclosed that the contributions of Ward Chairmen are not adequately appreciated by political aspirants who do not understand the importance of the roles played by him and his colleagues who are the stabilizers of the political parties.

According to the Chairman of the Forum of Ward Chairmen, their roles as political leaders of the grassroots have not being recognized as the forum for the bulwark of delegates in any given election, noting that, without them as Ward Chairmen, politics cannot be effectively conducted.

Apostle Mayor O. Mayor however recognized the immense support from political leaders of the APC in the state such Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the Honourable Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Olorogun Otega Emerhor OON, APC leader Delta State.

He also acknowledged Prophet Jones Ode Erhue, Delta state Chairman of the party, Chief (Dr) Christopher Obievwevbi Ominimini, Chief Adelabu Bodjor, Delta Central Chairman, Chief Cyril Ogodo, Deputy state chairman Delta state and the Secretary of the forum Mr, Akiti Anthony.

He thanked his colleagues for the repose of confidence in his leadership, promising not to fail in discharging his duties.