Politics, Power and the Grassroots: Why Oyo APC Members Rejected Politics of Entitlement
The aftermath of the governorship primary within the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has continued to generate heated debates, accusations, and political propaganda. However, beyond the emotional outbursts and sponsored attacks flying across political camps, one undeniable reality remains clear: politics is ultimately about people, relationships, loyalty, and grassroots acceptance — not personal ego or elite entitlement.
Recent attacks targeted at the Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, appear to stem largely from the frustration of political actors still struggling to come to terms with their rejection by APC members during the governorship primary process.
For many political observers within Oyo State, the outcome of the primary was neither shocking nor manipulated. Rather, it reflected the true mood of party stakeholders, loyalists, and grassroots members who exercised their democratic rights freely and overwhelmingly in support of Senator Sharafadeen Alli.
What makes the ongoing accusations even more troubling is the attempt to drag Dr. Zacch Adedeji into allegations of misuse of public funds without presenting a single credible piece of evidence. Such claims remain speculative, malicious, and politically motivated. Zacch Adedeji has built a reputation as an experienced technocrat and public servant with national exposure and administrative discipline. Public funds are not personal resources to be distributed recklessly for political convenience, contrary to the narrative being pushed by some aggrieved interests.
Equally disturbing is the attempt to criminalise the political ambition of Soji Adedeji simply because he is related to Zacch Adedeji. Democracy guarantees every Nigerian the constitutional right to aspire to public office. Soji Adedeji had actively participated in politics long before the current governorship calculations emerged, including contesting for the House of Representatives in the 2023 general elections. Suggesting that he should abandon his ambitions because his elder brother occupies public office is both unfair and undemocratic.
More importantly, many within the APC believe the current frustration being expressed by supporters of former Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, is rooted in political realities they failed to acknowledge earlier.
Political power is not sustained through media hype, elite gatherings, or occasional public spectacles. It is sustained through continuous engagement with party members, respect for loyalists, accessibility to stakeholders, and genuine grassroots relationships.
Many APC members across Oyo State had long expressed concerns about Adelabu’s perceived disconnect from party structures and grassroots loyalists. Several party faithful openly complained over the years about what they described as an unfriendly disposition toward long-standing members of the party. Unfortunately, many of those concerns were allegedly ignored.
The Ibadan North bye-election became a major political litmus test that exposed cracks within his political structure. Party insiders reportedly complained that resources meant to strengthen the election effort were either delayed or inadequately managed, negatively affecting party mobilisation and performance. For many stakeholders, that election revealed deeper issues regarding leadership style, accessibility, and political coordination.
Critics now argue that rather than reflect on these shortcomings, some supporters have resorted to conspiracy theories and attacks against Zacch Adedeji simply because APC stakeholders naturally aligned themselves with Senator Sharafadeen Alli during the primary.
Interestingly, several respected political figures openly identified with Senator Alli throughout the process. The State Chief of Protocol at the Presidential Villa publicly accompanied him to cast his vote during the primary, while presidential media aide Sunday Dare also openly endorsed his candidacy. These are experienced political actors capable of making independent political decisions based on conviction and strategic calculations — not coercion.
The reality remains that political support naturally gravitates toward individuals perceived as humble, accessible, and capable of unifying party stakeholders.
Another narrative being challenged by many observers is the claim that large crowds at political declarations automatically translate into genuine political popularity. In reality, political events in Nigeria are often boosted by entertainment attractions, celebrity appearances, and musical performances. A closer examination of the calibre of party leaders, grassroots mobilisers, and influential stakeholders present at Senator Sharafadeen Alli’s declaration compared to other camps painted a more politically significant picture.
At the end of the day, APC members in Oyo State demonstrated political maturity by making their choices based on internal realities rather than propaganda or emotional manipulation.
Those crying foul today must understand an important political lesson: leadership cannot survive on arrogance, isolation, or entitlement. Politics is a game of relationships and constant engagement with people at all levels.
No amount of blackmail or sponsored media attacks can erase the fact that many party faithful had become dissatisfied with a style of politics perceived as disconnected from the grassroots.
Dr. Zacch Adedeji neither imposed himself on Oyo politics nor forced support for any candidate. Stakeholders and party members simply exercised their democratic rights based on who they believed possessed the capacity, humility, and political understanding necessary to move the APC forward in Oyo State.
As the party begins preparations for future electoral contests, this moment should serve as a lesson for all political actors within the APC. Bitterness, propaganda, and reckless allegations cannot rebuild lost goodwill. Only reconciliation, humility, unity, and sincere grassroots engagement can restore political strength.
History will always distinguish those who genuinely strengthened the party from those whose political miscalculations weakened their own standing among the people they once sought to lead.
0 Comments