– By Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka (AYINLA EGBA),
Convener, United Premier Movement (UPM), Abeokuta.
In the history of Ogun State politics since the return of democracy in 1999, rarely have we witnessed a wave of political alignment as intense and calculated as the current momentum building around Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, fondly known as “Yayi.” As 2027 approaches, Yayi is positioning himself as a major contender, and political actors across the state—especially within the ruling party—are rallying behind him with an unusual zeal.
This phenomenon raises a crucial question about the evolving character of political leadership selection in our state: are party stakeholders still driven by ideology, integrity, and proven commitment to service—or has the lure of money, influence, and personal benefit overtaken all other considerations?
LESSONS FROM 1999: IDEOLOGY OVER INFLUENCE
In 1999, the newly returned democracy gave party leadership a firm grip on candidate selection. Despite intense primaries, decisions were guided by ideological alignment and public acceptability. The governorship contest between Chief Olusegun Osoba of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Alhaji Jubril Martins-Kuye of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was defined by grassroots support, not cash-induced loyalty. AD triumphed in Ogun despite the PDP fielding a presidential candidate, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, from the state. The triumph was a testament to the strength of party structure and ideology, not money.
2003: POLITICAL MATURITY AND STRATEGIC COALITION
By 2003, new political actors emerged. PDP’s national leadership, under President Obasanjo, played a strategic role in reclaiming the South West, with the exception of Lagos. However, the presidential influence in Ogun State was exercised tactfully. Contrary to today’s “cash-and-carry” politics, President Obasanjo allowed internal democracy to thrive, encouraging local party leaders to select credible candidates. This led to the emergence of Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), a grassroots favourite from Remo. The victory wasn’t fuelled by federal largesse or flashy donations—but through tireless, ground-up campaigning and strategic alignment.
2007: SENTIMENT, NOT SPLURGE
In 2007, OGD sought re-election under PDP, facing his former ally, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who had decamped to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) due to alleged breaches of prior agreements. Again, the contest wasn’t about who spent the most, but about trust, sentiment, and who the people felt represented their interests. SIA’s Movement captured grassroots imagination—without undue financial inducement.
Similarly, Otunba Adedipupo Dina of the Action Congress (AC) also garnered significant support purely based on his reputation and public connect, not extravagant displays of wealth.
2011: PARTY LEADERSHIP CRISES
The 2011 elections saw the ruling PDP implode under the weight of internal crises. Despite zoning the governorship to Yewa, the party fractured between supporters of Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI) and General Adetunji Idowu Olurin (Rtd). This fragmentation created a fertile ground for the return of Senator Amosun, who, under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), swept to power. Again, his emergence was not because of money or federal patronage, but because of widespread popular sentiment and the strategic endorsement of national ACN leaders, particularly from Lagos.
2019: INTERNAL CRISIS AND TACTICAL REALIGNMENTS
By 2019, Ogun’s political terrain had evolved. The APC was in turmoil as outgoing Governor Amosun backed Hon. Adekunle Akinlade (Triple A), while another camp, led by former Governor Osoba and backed by national APC leaders, supported Prince Dapo Abiodun. Despite fierce lobbying, Dapo Abiodun’s emergence wasn’t due to money alone; rather, it was due to a cocktail of strategic alliances, zoning sentiments, and calculated party leadership decisions.
Meanwhile, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu of the PDP emerged almost unopposed—not necessarily because of money—but because of his long-standing contributions to the party and his consistency within its ranks.
WHERE DO WE STAND TODAY?
The ongoing romance between political stakeholders and Senator Yayi calls for reflection. Yes, Yayi is a Distinguished Senator, well-experienced and politically connected. But when political endorsements begin to look more like pay-for-play arrangements—with federal projects, infrastructure, and cash donations used to curry favour—it raises alarms.
Are we now conditioning party tickets on the capacity to spend, rather than the will to serve?
Have we forgotten that governance must reflect the values, struggles, and dreams of the people—not just the ambitions of the wealthy?
A CALL TO POLITICAL CONSCIENCE
It is high time party leaders returned to their core responsibility: safeguarding the integrity of our democracy by selecting candidates based on merit, ideology, and public acceptance—not selfish interest or financial inducements.
Let us be reminded: political history always judges harshly those who mortgage the people’s future for immediate gratification. As 2027 approaches, the future of Ogun State must not be sold to the highest bidder. It must be entrusted to the most capable.
TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2…
