Simon Kolawole: I’ll never endorse any politician — but I’ll keep engaging with them

Simon Kolawole, founder of TheCable and columnist at THISDAY, says he will never endorse any politician.

The media entrepreneur was speaking during a book reading event in Lagos on Saturday.

The event was organised by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), a non-profit of artists and art critics.

In October 2022, Kolawole released ‘Fellow Nigerians, It’s All Politics’, his debut book. 

The book encompasses a total of 61 articles dwelling on his perspectives about Nigeria.

The articles address various issues including leadership, the economy, and the country’s political culture.

At the book reading, Kolawole said he has been criticised on many occasions for not endorsing political candidates.

“People expect me to say certain things and I don’t. So they attack me on Twitter and everywhere,” the author said.

“I am not bothered a bit. The day I decided to be a journalist, I promised to use my journalism to build peace and promote development. I don’t just pick my pen to write for the sake of writing.

“There is a purpose behind what I write. There is a science to it. I’m so happy and satisfied with myself so far.”

Simon Kolawole said his critics often argue he doesn’t take a clear stance on certain political personalities.

“Where I stand on issues is very clear. Where people have problems with me is that they want me to echo their opinions; to endorse their choices. That I will never do,” he added.

“People try to drag me out so that I can condemn politicians they don’t like or support the ones they like. I am not going to do that. I want to stand before my God and say I used my pen to promote peace and development.

“Before the 2023 elections, I decided that no matter who won, I would continue to engage them on the important issues — security, poverty, economy, and leadership. It does not matter if I supported them or not. 

“If I had endorsed any of them, I would have caused problems for myself. I would have had to defend their actions, even when they are going overboard.”

Replying to an attendee who accused him of “always sitting on the fence”, Kolawole said he was happy with the tag.

“That means they are saying I am not biased. I want people to feel free when they read me [and know] that Simon will not be biased, that he will be even-handed and fair to all,” the author explained.

Kolawole’s book ‘Fellow Nigerians, It’s All Politics’ has been at the receiving end of critical acclaim since its release.

In February, Kolawole made the Roving Heights bestseller list, ranking 12th among 49 top non-fiction books.

The Booksellers Limited, a leading bookstore, also named the author’s work among its top titles on its debut.