In what appears to be a bold stand against political manipulation ahead of the forthcoming council elections in the Federal Capital Territory, social activist and community mobilizer Dobiza Dobiza, popularly known as One Man Squad, has condemned attempts by some politicians to coerce traditional rulers into partisan politics.
In a strongly worded Facebook post titled “Good Vawulence Evening”, Dobiza criticized the growing trend of political figures seeking to use traditional leaders as tools to influence voters in their communities. He described such moves as “disrespectful and unconstitutional,” emphasizing that traditional rulers are custodians of culture and peace — not political agents.
“No traditional ruler has the right to coerce people of his community to vote who they want,” Dobiza stated. “Everyone is guided by democracy and the constitutional right to vote who they want or be voted for. Banking on traditional rulers to intrude the people is a failed mission; thus, traditional rulers are for no party but all.”
Dobiza further faulted the practice of summoning groups of traditional leaders to receive “marching orders” in the name of political interest, insisting that such gatherings should only be permissible on matters of community security or development.
“It is disrespectful to invite traditional rulers for a matching order on the basis of political interest except on security reasons,” he warned.
He called on FCT authorities and political stakeholders to desist from what he described as direct or indirect threats to respected royal fathers, saying the integrity of the traditional institution must be protected from political corruption and undue influence.
Dobiza’s statement has since sparked conversation among FCT residents and political observers, with many commending his courage to speak out against what has become a recurring pattern during election seasons.
As campaigns intensify across Gwagwalada and surrounding councils, Dobiza’s message serves as a reminder that democracy, at its core, belongs to the people — and not to those who seek to manipulate it through power and influence.
— Chronicles Reporters
“Informing the misinformed, transforming the deformed.”