At the heart of this shift is the abolition of indirect primaries, the delegate-based system that long enabled small internal cohorts to determine political fortunes. Under the new law, political parties are now restricted to direct primaries where every card carrying member has a voice in selecting candidates or consensus arrangements agreed upon by aspirants. This reform, enshrined in Section 84 of the Act, expands participation and curbs the influence of elites who once could steer outcomes through delegate control. (independent.ng)
For years, indirect primaries created fertile ground for power without popularity. A handful of delegates, often influenced by party leaders or moneyed interests, could override grassroots sentiment, enabling political actors with limited mass appeal to maintain relevance. The system rewarded structural dominance and, in some cases, encouraged coercive tactics to secure ward executives and delegate blocs.
In this reformed political environment, that model is no longer tenable.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, popularly known as BTO, exemplifies the advantage that the new dispensation confers on leaders with genuine grassroots support. His rise in Nigeria’s political arena has never been rooted in delegate engineering or structural manoeuvring. Instead, it has been built on sustained performance, visibility and an authentic connection with citizens.
Tunji-Ojo’s political journey from his impactful tenure in the House of Representatives to his current role at the Interior Ministry reflects a blend of legislative initiative, policy engagement and tangible reforms that resonate with the public. His legislative work and oversight roles drew attention for accountability and effectiveness, while his executive leadership has been marked by a drive to modernise systems and enhance service delivery.
This pattern of performance has translated into widespread grassroots trust, a form of influence that the Electoral Act now structurally rewards. Under direct primary systems, the weight of popularity among party members matters far more than the backing of a few insiders. A candidate’s ability to mobilise broad support across wards, communities and demographics is now a practical electoral advantage, not just a rhetorical claim.
The contrast between earned acceptance and enforced control was starkly highlighted during the recent ward congress exercises in Ondo State. Attempts by certain actors to assert dominance through structural pressure and intimidation were widely interpreted not as demonstrations of strength, but as signs of insecurity. Such tactics, which may have previously yielded tactical leverage under the old system, hold little strategic value in a context where the electorate’s voice is central to candidate emergence.
The broader impact of the Electoral Act’s reforms has also deepened public confidence in democratic processes. Instead of private delegate bargaining, political choices are now anchored in broader member participation, aligning internal party democracy with the expectations of citizens who seek accountable, visible leadership.
In Ondo State, Tunji-Ojo’s grassroots advantage is no longer merely a political narrative. It is a structural reality. The revised electoral framework empowers ordinary members, obliging aspirants to earn trust through engagement, performance and relevance. This shift erodes the traditional stronghold of power brokers who relied on indirect mechanisms to consolidate influence.
The abolition of an era where popularity was optional represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. As direct primaries become the dominant mode of candidate selection, leaders with authentic grassroots support like BTO find themselves structurally favoured. In this landscape, popularity is not just advantageous. It is decisive.
The Electoral Act 2026 has done more than revise procedures. It has affirmed a democratic principle. Enduring leadership grows from the ground up, not from the corridors of controlled power.
Otunba Femi Balogun
Convener, BTO Spotlight and Director, The Spotlight Media
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