Opposition, in its ideal form, serves as the conscience of democracy, providing a credible alternative and interrogating power. However, in Oyo State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation have deviated from this noble responsibility. Their approach has been reduced to a cycle of accusations, unfocused hostility, and spectacle, rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue and presenting ideas. This conduct has weakened the opposition bloc and diminished democratic discourse.
One of the persistent claims made by the APC is that Governor Seyi Makinde has "paralysed" local government administration. However, facts on the ground indicate that local governments continue to meet their obligations, including paying salaries, executing projects, and delivering essential services. The allegation is not rooted in the performance of the councils but rather in the opposition's need to sustain a narrative of dysfunction. This claim collapses under basic verification and is repeated with a confidence that suggests a scripted narrative rather than a truthful one.
The most troubling aspect of the APC's approach is not the allegations themselves but the silence that follows when the question turns to their own vision. Despite numerous press releases and briefings, neither the party nor its candidate has presented a clear blueprint, policy direction, or economic plan for the state. This vacuum is worsened by the APC's internal dilemma, as its standard bearer, Barrister Sharafadeen Alli, lacks the stature, clarity, and policy grounding required to inspire confidence across the state.
In contrast, Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi, the Allied People's Movement (APM) candidate, has consistently articulated clear, structured, and people-centred proposals for the future of Oyo State. His engagements focus on policy and solutions rather than theatrics and sensationalism. Adekanmbi's contributions have reinforced the seriousness of the APM's agenda, outlining programmes and welcoming scrutiny with detailed plans. His proposals cover various sectors, including education, capacity development, healthcare, and digital economy.
Adekanmbi's focus on education includes modernised learning environments, teacher retraining, and curriculum upgrades that prepare students for a competitive global economy. He also emphasises STEM, digital literacy, and school infrastructure, which stands in sharp contrast to the opposition's fixation on allegations. Additionally, his advocacy for strengthened primary healthcare, improved hospital facilities, and community-based interventions demonstrates a clear understanding of the state's needs.
The APM candidate has also stressed the importance of positioning Oyo State as a digital-economy hub through broadband expansion, tech-startup incubation, digital-skills training, and partnerships with private-sector innovators. These ideas reflect a modern, future-ready vision, which is lacking in the APC's approach. Adekanmbi's clarity underscores a simple truth: serious politics is about ideas, not accusations. His coherence only magnifies the emptiness of the APC's approach.
History serves as a warning, with the UK Labour Party under Jeremy Corbyn suffering its worst electoral performance since 1935 due to its failure to offer coherent alternatives and its reliance on destructive opposition. The APC's approach in Oyo State raises similar concerns, and voters may draw similar conclusions if the party fails to articulate a clear vision and instead resorts to noise and sensationalism.
Key points
- The APC's approach in Oyo State has shifted from principled engagement to accusations and theatrics.
- Honourable Bimbo Adekanmbi has presented clear, structured, and people-centred proposals for the future of Oyo State.
- The APC's failure to articulate a clear vision and its reliance on sensationalism may undermine its credibility and chances in the election.
