Power is the ability to make informed choices and the freedom to take action. Decisions are made by people with power, and in all societies there are some people who are more powerful than others because of factors, such as age, gender role, ethnicity, political affiliation, economic situation. Power is present at every level of society, from the family through to government level – understanding who has the power to make decisions and why they have this power is an important first step in political participation.
A narrow definition of politics refers to the activities of governments, politicians, or political parties. A broader definition includes the interrelationships between people – between men and women, parents and children, people with and without disabilities – and the operation of power at every level of human interaction.
One of the outstanding traits about Mallam Muktar Tolani Shagaya, the aspirant for the seat of Ilorin West/Asa Federal House of Representatives, is his ideology and philosophy on a system that connotes community-based representation — a political participation which includes a broad range of activities through which people develop and express their opinions on the world and how it is governed, and try to take part in and shape the decisions that affect their lives.
These activities range from developing thinking about urban and countrysides inhabitants or other social issues at the individual or family level, joining dis-abled people’s organizations or other groups and organizations, and campaigning at the local, regional or national level, to the process of formal politics, such as voting, joining a political party, or standing for elections.
Shagaya embraces the reality that, ordinary people can participate in politics, and every individual has the right to participate, including people with disabilities.
For a while, the good people of Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency have been faced with many barriers to developmental politics and good governance, and many choose not to participate in politics because the issues that concern them are often ignored and/or they feel they have limited power to influence change and decision-making.
Promoting cultural heritage of the constituents in Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency, which, hitherto, would lead to unprecedented progress, is an important part of the Mallam Muktar Tolani Shagaya’s focus. Shagaya is seeking the support of all electorates of Ilorin West/Asa Federal Constituency to deliver good representation and progressive leadership.
A vote for Mallam Muktar Tolani Shagaya to represent our interests at the Federal House of Representatives would amplify our voices to be heard and our right to equity and access to the health, education, sustainable development, smart jobs, livelihood, and social sectors will not be restricted.