Nigerian politics is too dirty —Falilat Ogunkoya

On the eve of Saturday’s election, IDRIS ADESINA spoke with award-winning athlete, FALILAT OGUNKOYA

Are you planning to vote?

Yes. I will vote. I already have my Permanent Voter Card.

Who are you voting for?

I will not tell you that. It should be personal.

What will you like the winner to do when he gets to the office?

I believe that whoever will get there will be someone who should have the interest of sports at heart. Sports ought to be seen as a means of employment in this country. Anybody who wins should have his mind on sports because it is a viable means of getting many people off the street. For whoever it is that becomes the president or governor of a state, sports will always be there. They should only tap from such.

Have you been voting previously?

Yes and no. I have been voting in the past but it is just that these things fall at some times when you are not in the country and then you won’t be able to do your civic duty. But every time I have been in the country during elections, I have voted.

Why didn’t we see you in the campaign train of any of the political parties?

Frankly speaking, I was busy with some other things during their campaigns. I was approached by quite a number of the candidates but I had things I was doing, like being in the camp with the junior athletes among others.

Are you thinking of contesting in future elections?

Politics and sports are two things that should not be mixed together. Immediately you pick up a ticket for a party, people forget what you might have achieved in sports and attach you to other people in the party even if your intentions for doing it are good.

I don’t want to contest for any position now or later. But if any government needs my advice or experience, I can work with them just as I did with the Ogun State government under Gbenga Daniel.

If you were to join a party today, which one would you join?

None for now. Nigerian politics is too dirty I am okay with my constituency – sports.