The Mute Candidate

In Anikulapo, the popular Netflix film directed by celebrated filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, viewers were treated to the spectacle of a mute king. He wouldn’t speak in public, instead whispering inaudibly to a chosen mouthpiece, who would then voice his thoughts to the gathering, whether of chiefs or villagers. Several explanations were hinted at for the mystery, one of them being that he was traumatized into silence after witnessing the brutal slaughter of his father in battle.

It was an interesting, if not perplexing, reality for his subjects and viewers of the film. Today, the people of Edo State are being ushered into the same reality, as they are being encouraged – or rather, harassed – to elect as governor a mute candidate.

Whereas the fictional king in Anikulapo was shocked into silence by an unspeakable tragedy, this candidate in Edo State embraced silence to mask a deficiency. But the tactic is akin to painting a mustache on a light bulb in a bid to hide it. This ill-thought act of concealment has all but called attention to the issue.

Just as the oddity of the mute king stood out to viewers of Anikulapo, the incapacity of speech demonstrated by this candidate has gripped and filled voters with concern. It has become an albatross for his party, daily inviting questions about the wisdom of his selection.

With election only a matter of weeks way, the campaign has entered into full gear. Yet the total speech time of this candidate, whether during stomps or at events, can be condensed into less than 30 mins. No one knows for sure how he plans to tackle the big issues affecting the lives of the people he hopes to govern. Nothing in his past suggests he posseses a basic understanding of government, let alone grand theories about prudent economic management models – a sore governance need given that Nigeria, and Edo State, is experiencing lean times.

All he offers, when he speaks at all, are platitudes. Banal comments that fail to go beyond the surface. Poverty of thought and lack of expression – these are not the traits to be associated with a governor of any state that dreams of progress.

Accountability is a defining feature of democracy. It compels leaders to be accountable to be led. But how do you hold to account a mute candidate who has not said anything substantive while seeking your vote, and only speaks through equally unlettered proxies?

His main opponent has presented a documented manifesto. He has offered a path to voters and welcomed debate on his proposed strategies. On television, social media, and in town halls, he has defended his records and outlined his governance approach. But the mute candidate, on the contrary, has made peace with his situational taciturnity. His minders are, in fact, wary of him speaking. Every time he is handed a microphone, their blood pressure rises. Because controversy is sure to follow. He has no clue about anything and hopes on hope.

But hope is not a strategy. Leaders must inspire and show conviction. So far, the mute candidate has shown that he has nothing to offer Edo people beyond cheap theatrics. Parlor tricks designed to compensate for his inability to engage. The mute candidate’s victory, if he ever manages to win, will only profit skitmakers. They will make a fortune from caricaturing him. Edo will become the butt of jokes in Nigeria and across the world.