By Eniola Olaniyi
As you walk through the bustling campus of the University of Ibadan, you can feel the excitement in the air. It’s that time of year again – the student union election is in full swing. Everywhere you look, you see campaign posters, flyers, and banners plastered on walls, gates, and bulletin boards. The campus is alive with whispers, the sound of music, speeches, and cheering crowds. It’s hard not to get caught up in the thrill of it all.
As a university student with no personal relationship with these people, one is filled with curiosity and maybe cynicism. It’s natural to wonder about the motivations of the candidates and to approach the election with a healthy dose of skepticism. After all, they are asking for your vote and your trust, and it’s up to you to decide whether or not they deserve it.
Through thorough research and exploration, you finally encounter different perspectives and ideologies that can profoundly influence your mindset. This immersive process often leads to the development of a strong sense of loyalty, sometimes to an extreme extent. This loyalty becomes deeply personal, surpassing formal commitment and becoming an integral part of one’s identity. It makes or breaks friendships. The unwavering dedication that arises from such loyalty compels students to go to great lengths to support their preferred candidate.
The importance of loyalty and alliances cannot be overstated when delving into the intricate realm of the election. One becomes intricately entwined with the various factions, candidates, and ideologies at play. Loyalty forms the bedrock of these alliances, forging bonds and establishing trust between the aspirants and the people who will do anything to see them win.
A subtle but powerful nod of recognition passes between individuals when they spot someone donning the tag or shirt proudly displaying the face of their shared candidate. This simple gesture signifies an unspoken alliance, a bond formed through loyalty to a particular candidate and their vision for the future. It creates an instant connection, a sense of camaraderie that transcends words. In that moment, a profound understanding is shared – a belief in the ideals, promises, and aspirations embodied by the candidate.
However, it is important to tread cautiously as extreme loyalty can lead to tunnel vision, blinding one to alternative perspectives and impeding the pursuit of impartiality and objectivity. It can be something as simple as snickering behind hands when an opposing candidate stumbles through their speech or going to extreme lengths.
As the sun sets on the eve of the student union election at the University of Ibadan, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The fate of the candidates and the future course of the student body hangs in the balance, waiting to be unveiled when tomorrow arrives. Months of campaigning, impassioned speeches, and tireless efforts have led to this crucial moment. Loyalties have been tested, alliances forged, and ideologies debated. Now, it is up to the voters to make their voices heard and determine the path that the student union will tread.
