Former Minister of Communications, Adebayo Shittu, has once again stirred political conversation in Oyo State with a blunt and provocative statement questioning the seriousness of a yet-to-be-named governorship aspirant ahead of the next election cycle.
In a remark that has since generated mixed reactions across political circles, Shittu expressed regret that he never had the opportunity to govern Oyo State, stating that the state “missed out” on his leadership. His comment reflects a long-standing ambition, as he had previously pursued the governorship under the All Progressives Congress (APC), including formally obtaining nomination forms during the 2019 race.
However, it was his sharp criticism of a current aspirant that drew the most attention. Shittu questioned why an individual widely visible through campaign billboards across the state has allegedly not purchased the APC governorship nomination form, reportedly priced at ₦50 million. The former minister’s rhetorical jab—“is he broke or what?”—has been interpreted by many as both a challenge and a critique of perceived political theatrics.
Political observers note that early campaign visibility through billboards is not unusual in Oyo State. In past election cycles, aspirants flooded major cities like Ibadan with posters and large-scale advertisements as part of efforts to build name recognition and influence voter perception. However, such visibility does not always translate into formal participation in party primaries, which require significant financial and structural commitment.
Shittu’s comments also highlight a deeper issue within Nigerian politics—the growing tension between media-driven political branding and actual grassroots or institutional engagement. Critics argue that while billboards can create the illusion of popularity, the true test of political seriousness lies in meeting party requirements, mobilizing support structures, and demonstrating policy depth.
This is not the first time Shittu has taken a confrontational stance within political discourse. Over the years, he has been known for outspoken opinions, including public disagreements within the APC and criticism of government policies in Oyo State. His latest remarks appear consistent with that pattern—direct, unapologetic, and designed to provoke debate.
As Oyo State gradually inches toward another election season, statements like these underscore the intensifying competition and internal scrutiny among aspirants. With political alignments still forming and potential candidates yet to fully declare, public perception battles—fueled by comments such as Shittu’s—are likely to shape early narratives.
Ultimately, the controversy raises a broader question for voters: should political ambition be measured by visibility or by verifiable commitment? As the race unfolds, the answer may determine who truly stands a chance in Oyo’s evolving political landscape.
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