The popular assertion that “politics requires proper schooling under mentorship for guidance and direction” is particularly relevant to the political situation in which my good friend, Oloye Bayo Adelabu, appears to have found himself.
One question that immediately came to my mind after watching him address some of his supporters over his inability to secure the APC gubernatorial ticket for the forthcoming 2027 election was: Who, indeed, is Bayo Adelabu’s political mentor or leader?
My earlier assumption about this matter now appears to have been misplaced. From the way recent events are unfolding in Oyo State politics, one is compelled to ask whether Bayo Adelabu truly considers himself a political mentee of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, or whether his present political disposition suggests otherwise?
Let us take a brief journey back to the 2018 APC gubernatorial primary ahead of the 2019 general election. When Bayo Adelabu emerged as the APC flag bearer, it was widely perceived that Asiwaju had played a significant role in the emergence of the Party's candidate, despite the disappointment and reservations expressed by several other Aspirants and Party stakeholders at the time.
As painful and disappointing as that decision may have been to many of the Aspirants and members of the Oyo State APC family, the Progressive family ultimately put its differences aside and rallied behind the party's candidate. The collective objective was clear: to present a united front and give the APC the best possible opportunity to sustain the achievements of the then predecessor administration of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi (of blessed memories), even though the election was eventually won by the present Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Against this background, one cannot but wonder about the present situation as we approach the 2027 general election.
Could it be that the political experience surrounding his 2023 defection to the Accord Party did not provide a sufficient lesson on the importance of political ideology, commitment, consistency and Party loyalty?
Has Bayo Adelabu forgotten the sacrifices and political goodwill extended to him in 2019? Or has the experience created a sense of entitlement that makes the position appear to be “it must be me or nobody else”?
And, more importantly, who is fooling whom if Adelabu professes continued membership and loyalty to the APC while individuals identified with his political camp are allegedly mobilising some of his supporters towards another platform?
Such developments, if allowed to continue, can only deepen mistrust and confusion within the political family.
Politics, particularly progressive politics, is not merely about personal ambition. It is about discipline, loyalty, consultation, sacrifice, patience and respect for collective decisions.
There will inevitably be occasions when an individual's personal ambition may not align with the decision of the larger political family. That is when political maturity and mentorship become most important.
The Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu that I know is a politician who understands the importance of political loyalty, strategic patience and collective victory. It would therefore be difficult to imagine him encouraging a political arrangement in which support for the President's re-election is separated from support for the party's gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State.
The principle is simple: you cannot claim to support the leader and, at the same time, undermine the structure through which that leader seeks victory.
The progressive political tradition has its ideological practices and established tenets. At different times, these principles may favour or challenge an individual aspirant's personal ambitions or aspirations. Nevertheless, the ultimate strength of a political party lies in the understanding that the collective decision of the party must take precedence over individual ambition.
This is therefore my humble and passionate appeal to Oloye Bayo Adelabu: reconsider your present position and demonstrate, once again, that you are truly a political mentee of our President and national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has invested significant political confidence, goodwill and opportunity in your journey.
Political disagreements are not unusual. Losing an internal contest is not the end of a political career. What distinguishes a true political leader is the ability to subordinate personal disappointment to the larger interest of the Party and the progressive family.
There is still an opportunity to choose reconciliation over confrontation, unity over division, and collective victory over personal ambition.
A vote for BSA is a vote for Asiwaju. Furthermore, supporting the APC's gubernatorial candidate is part of supporting the President's broader objective of securing an all-round APC victory in the 2027 general elections.
Let us therefore put the interest of the party first, preserve the progressive family ideals and work together towards total victory in 2027, by the special grace of God!
-Hon. Lanre Jinadu
(RenewedHope Ambassador)
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