By, Francis Adeagbo, Ibadan

Leadership is not about political ambition alone; it is about capacity, competence, antecedents and demonstrable impact on the lives of the people.

This is why the people of Oyo State must critically examine the record of every aspirant seeking higher office.

Take the case of Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South. Among the interventions often cited are the payment of WAEC fees for five students in each of the nine Local Government Areas and the distribution of 20 corn-making machines and five POS machines per Local Government, with ₦20,000 working capital attached to each POS beneficiary.

While every effort to assist citizens deserves acknowledgement, the bigger question is whether these interventions are commensurate with the expectations of a Senator representing Oyo South.

The POS initiative is particularly instructive. At the venue opposite UCH, around the second gate, beneficiaries reportedly resorted to selling some of the POS machines because the ₦20,000 provided as working capital was considered insufficient to establish a viable POS business.

That should make us pause.

Empowerment must empower. Giving someone equipment without providing a realistic foundation for sustainability may not take that person out of economic hardship. The people deserve interventions that create businesses, jobs, skills and lasting opportunities.

If this is the level of intervention being presented as a record of achievement, then the people are perfectly entitled to ask whether the Senator’s record provides sufficient evidence of the capacity required to govern an entire state.

Oyo State cannot afford to move backwards again.

At this critical juncture, the argument is not about personality or sentiment. It is about track record, competence, vision and the ability to deliver measurable development.

That is why Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi — BIMADEK stands out to many of us as a candidate with the experience, antecedents, capacity, capability and knowledge required to take Oyo State to the next level.

We cannot afford to gamble with our collective future.

Those who speak of rejecting continuity and progressive governance should remember that continuity is not necessarily about an individual remaining in office; it can mean building on policies, institutions and achievements that are delivering results for the people.

The political history of Lagos State provides an example often cited in discussions about continuity: Babatunde Fashola succeeded Bola Tinubu, Akinwunmi Ambode succeeded Fashola, and Babajide Sanwo-Olu succeeded Ambode. The lesson is that voters can choose continuity where they believe a governing direction is producing results.

Oyo people have the same democratic right.

Omi Tuntun 3.0 is about continuity of progress, not continuity for continuity’s sake.

No amount of propaganda about the Circular Road or other development projects should distract the people from the larger question: Who has the vision, competence and capacity to sustain and expand the progress Oyo State is experiencing?

For us, the answer is clear.

BIMADEK is our choice.

We want a governor who understands the economy, understands governance, understands the people and has the courage and competence to drive Oyo State forward.

We also reject policies that place unbearable pressure on ordinary Nigerians while families struggle with food, employment and basic necessities. Government must be people-centred, compassionate and economically responsible.

The forthcoming elections therefore provide another opportunity for the people to speak through their votes.

Vote APM.
Vote Seyi Makinde for President.
Vote Bimbo Adekanmbi — BIMADEK — for Governor of Oyo State.
Vote for all our credible candidates

Oyo State must not return to the past.

We choose progress.
We choose continuity of development.
We choose competence.
We choose BIMADEK.
We choose Omi Tuntun 3.0.

The people will decide — and the people must decide wisely.

 

Francis Adeagbo writes from Ibadan