Right Of Reply: APC And The Politics Of “Escape Strategy ” ||▪︎ By Dr Peter Akande 

By Dr Peter Akande

The latest statement by the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress describing Governor Seyi Makinde’s presidential ambition as an “escape strategy” raises more questions about the quality of political opposition in Oyo State than it does about the governor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

According to reports, the APC, through its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, alleged that Governor Makinde’s presidential ambition is designed to provide an avenue for him to leave the country and evade alleged corruption and abuse-of-office cases. The party listed several serious allegations, including diversion of local government funds, money laundering, contract variation, land grabbing and other alleged infractions. However, these allegations remain allegations; they have not been established as facts merely because a political party has published them.

 

If the APC genuinely possesses evidence of criminal conduct, the appropriate thing to do is to present such evidence to the relevant anti-corruption agencies and the courts. Nigeria is governed by laws and institutions, not by press releases. The APC should allow the law to determine whether anybody has committed an offence rather than asking the public to convict a political opponent through media statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

More importantly, having a presidential ambition is not a criminal offence. A Nigerian who meets the constitutional requirements has the right to aspire to any elective office. Whether Governor Makinde’s presidential project will succeed or not is ultimately a matter for Nigerian voters to determine at the appropriate time. Political parties should therefore tell Nigerians what their own candidates and programmes offer instead of making unproven allegations the centrepiece of their campaign.

 

There is also an important contradiction in the APC’s argument. When Governor Makinde supported Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, the APC did not oppose or condemn that support. However, now that he is considering contesting for the presidency himself, his ambition has suddenly become an issue for the party. This raises the question of whether the APC’s objection is truly about principle or simply about political competition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If, as the party claims, there are genuine cases against Governor Makinde, why should his political ambition be described as an “escape route”? Does contesting an election automatically prevent Nigerian law-enforcement agencies or courts from investigating or prosecuting an individual where there is credible evidence? Certainly not.

Political office does not confer immunity from legitimate investigation, but neither should political opposition be used to manufacture guilt before investigation and trial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The APC also questioned the viability of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) as a platform for a presidential contest. That is a legitimate political argument. Parties can debate the size of their structures, national spread, electoral performance and organisational capacity. But such arguments should be separated from accusations of criminality unless those accusations can be supported by verifiable evidence.

 

The same principle applies to the controversy surrounding the reported September 21 public holiday and the concert in Ibadan. Reports indicate that OYRTMA announced traffic arrangements for the event, including temporary road closures and designated parking areas. Whether the declaration of a public holiday was appropriate is a matter that can be debated on its merits. It does not automatically establish an abuse of office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The people of Oyo State deserve a higher level of political debate.

 

Instead of repeatedly telling the people that Governor Makinde is running away, the APC should explain its own alternative vision for Oyo State and Nigeria. What would it do differently? How would it improve workers’ welfare, education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and the economy? What measurable commitments would it make to the people?

 

At present, I cannot see what the APC has to offer Oyo State. The party has failed the state in the past and continues to fail Nigerians at the federal level. If the APC believes it deserves the confidence of the people, it should present a clear record of achievement and a credible programme for the future rather than relying on accusations and political name-calling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opposition politics should be about accountability, but accountability must be evidence-based.. If there is evidence, let the courts determine the matter.

But Nigerians should not be asked to substitute political accusations for judicial findings.

 

Calling a presidential ambition an “escape strategy” does not make it one. It remains a political claim until evidence establishes otherwise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2027 political contest should therefore be about records, programmes, ideas, character as demonstrated through verifiable public conduct, and the future Nigerians want—not sensational allegations designed to win headlines.

 

The ballot box should decide political ambitions; the courts should decide criminal allegations. Let each institution do its job.