The Yayi effect and political leadership in ogun state (part 3)

‘THE FUTURE WE MUST SECURE — A BLUEPRINT FOR IDEOLOGY-DRIVEN POLITICS IN OGUN STATE”

By Hon. (Chief) Olalekan Shoyinka

BEYOND POLITICAL ROMANCE: TIME TO RESET OUR PRIORITIES

As I round off this three-part reflection on Ogun State’s political trajectory, it’s important to state clearly that our politics today is on the verge of losing its moral compass — if it hasn’t already. We are witnessing an era where popularity trumps purpose, where generosity is mistaken for governance potential, and where cash has more value than credibility.

This is a dangerous slope.

For any political culture to survive and thrive, its foundation must rest on ideological clarity, party discipline, and generational thinking. What we have now is a system teetering dangerously close to full-blown transactional politics. If party leaders, especially in the APC, fail to check this tide, we risk losing not only our moral credibility but also the hope of grooming future leaders who truly understand the meaning of service.

WHAT IDEOLOGY MEANS — AND WHY IT MATTERS

Ideology is not grammar. It is not theory. It is the compass that guides leadership decisions. It defines what a party stands for, how it intends to govern, and what its long-term goals are.

In the early years of the 4th Republic, Ogun’s politics—despite its flaws—was built on ideas. Leaders emerged not just for their wealth, but because they represented something meaningful to the people. Osoba stood for legacy and developmental politics. Gbenga Daniel rode on a wave of vision and grassroots mobilization. Amosun brought a rugged reformist spirit that resonated with the masses. Even Dapo Abiodun, despite controversies, came with a well-marketed message of technocratic competence.

But today? What does Yayi’s camp represent beyond massive spending and strategic influence?

If we fail to return our politics to the lane of ideology, we will keep rotating candidates who serve the elite class and leave the masses behind. And the cycle of poverty, disillusionment, and voter apathy will continue.

OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS PARTY STAKEHOLDERS

To our respected party elders, godfathers, leaders, and kingmakers: this is not just another election cycle—this is a defining moment. What you do now will either immortalize your name in the book of legacy or stain it permanently in the book of betrayal.

You hold the power to shape what kind of leadership Ogun State will produce. If you allow financial inducement, lobbying with federal influence, or self-serving political appointments to determine your endorsements, then you have failed not just your party—but posterity.

Ask yourself:

• What happens after 2027?
• Will the people feel the impact of the decision you made in 2026?
• Can your children walk proudly in the streets of Abeokuta, Mowe, Ilaro, Ijebu-Ode, Sagamu, Ifo, Ilaro, Ayetoro, Ota, Ipokia, Afon, or Tongeji and say, “My father helped produce this kind of government”?

History does not forget. And it doesn’t forgive leaders who sacrifice the future for temporary comfort.

OUR DUTY AS CITIZENS

To the good people of Ogun State, especially the youths, artisans, civil servants, teachers, students, and market women—you are not just voters. You are stakeholders in the future of this state. Do not be carried away by fancy empowerment, tokenistic jobs, or instant giveaways.

Ask the hard questions:

• Who is this person?
• What is his track record?
• What ideology is he bringing?
• Is he for our collective future, or just his personal ambition?

Your PVC is not for sale. It is your signature on the contract of leadership. Don’t sign blindly.

BUILDING A MOVEMENT, NOT JUST WINNING ELECTIONS

As convener of the United Premier Movement (UPM), I am not just speaking for myself — I am speaking for thousands of silent voices who still believe politics can be decent, ideological, people-driven, and purposeful.

We are building a movement, not a crowd. And our movement is committed to working with any leader who aligns with our principles of:

• Merit-based candidacy
• Transparent governan
• Youth empowerment beyond slogans
• Equity in resource allocation across senatorial districts
• A long-term vision for education, health, and industry in Ogun State and Abeokuta in particular.

We are not looking for perfect candidates, but we will not accept impostors dressed in money and masking ambition as generosity.

CONCLUSION: THE NEXT GENERATION IS WATCHING

As the race toward 2027 intensifies, let every political actor in ABEOKUTA — especially those in the APC — remember this: governments come and go, but decisions echo across generations. Will you be remembered as a stakeholder who sold tomorrow for crumbs today, or as a patriot who stood for something greater than himself?

The choice is yours.

History is watching. Egba is watching. Ogun State is watching. Let’s not betray our future.

Hon. (Chief) Olalekan Shoyinka popularly called Ayinla Egba is Convener, United Premier Movement (UPM), Abeokuta

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