As a committed chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Agbaakin of Olorunda Abaa, I consider it both my duty and responsibility to speak frankly at this critical moment in our political journey.
Politics, in its truest sense, is about service. It is about sacrifice. It is about standing with the people—not only during campaign seasons, but in the daily realities of their lives.
As another election cycle approaches, however, a familiar pattern has begun to resurface—one that calls for sincere reflection within our great party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
For nearly three years, some individuals elected under the PDP banner have remained noticeably distant from the grassroots faithful who worked tirelessly to secure their victories. Across wards, local governments, and federal constituencies, loyal party members who laboured day and night have too often been left without encouragement, empowerment, or meaningful engagement.
Now, suddenly, the atmosphere has changed.
Financial assistance is emerging.
Appointments are being hurriedly announced.
Empowerment programmes are being rolled out with impressive publicity.
Phone lines are open again. Ward visits have resumed. Smiles have returned.
One cannot help but ask: where was this renewed energy over the past three years?
Let it be clearly stated—our party members are not disposable tools. They are not seasonal instruments to be remembered only when new ambitions are being pursued. They are stakeholders and partners in progress. They stood firm before mandates were secured; they deserve consistent respect long after victory is achieved.
If any member of the PDP, in any local government, has failed to demonstrate genuine love through sustained empowerment, accessibility, and quality representation, the coming elections may offer a sobering lesson. It is no longer business as usual.
The era when grassroots faithful could be taken for granted is over.
Our people are wiser. They are politically conscious. They understand the difference between natural generosity and strategic generosity. They can distinguish between consistent service and last-minute charity. They recognize those who give because it reflects their character—and those who give because it is campaign season.
What makes the situation even more telling is the aggressive publicity accompanying these recent gestures. If the commitment had been genuine and consistent, would it require such sudden fanfare? Why were these activities not visible throughout the past three years if the people were always a priority?
True leadership is not seasonal. It does not awaken when posters are about to be printed. It does not rediscover party structures when primaries are near. Leadership is a continuous covenant with the people.
From Lagelu Local Government to every other local government across Oyo State, PDP faithfuls deserve sincerity. They deserve leaders who understand that empowerment is not a campaign tactic but a responsibility. They deserve representatives who are responsive to their yearnings—not only during elections, but throughout the tenure entrusted to them.
This is not a message of bitterness. It is a call to conscience.
The PDP remains a party built on structure, loyalty, and shared sacrifice. Those who emerge under its platform must reflect its values at all times—not selectively.
As political activities gather momentum, let every office holder remember: the people are watching. The wards are observing. The grassroots never forget.
And this time, the ballot will reflect memory.
The politics of convenience belongs to the past.
The politics of responsibility is the future.
