In what many observers have described as a worrying development, the Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a warning to its members against commending Governor Seyi Makinde of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for what they perceived as good governance.
This controversy arose when some APC stalwarts including prominent members like renowned legal luminary and political stalwart Chief Niyi Akintola SAN and also Chief Akinade Fijabi reportedly commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his administration’s accomplishments, good governance, and non-partisan approach to development.
The warning, reportedly issued by the Oyo APC, follows a growing trend among some party stalwarts and stakeholders who have openly praised certain policy decisions and programs made by Governor Makinde’s administration. These acknowledgments, whether on social media or at public functions, were seen by the party hierarchy as acts of disloyalty that could weaken the APC’s position as the leading opposition in the state.
A widely circulated statement in a section of online news platforms credited to the APC in Oyo suggest that any public endorsement of the incumbent governor’s initiatives or programs is tantamount to sabotaging the APC’s political objectives. The party threatened disciplinary measures against those who defy this directive, citing the need to maintain a united and competitive front against the ruling PDP.
According to the party, such commendations amount to anti-party activity and could mislead the public into believing that the PDP-led administration enjoys cross-party support. The party leadership further accused those who praised Makinde of undermining the APC’s efforts to reclaim the state in future elections.
This position appears to ignore a crucial point: good governance should be clearly acknowledged and encouraged, regardless of partisan lines. Praising effective leadership should not be mistaken for betrayal, it can actually be a strategic show of maturity and objectivity that strengthens democratic culture.
In a swift response, the Oyo APC through it’s publicity secretary, Adewale Sadare, had on Wednesday, June 18 issued a strongly worded caution, warning its members against making statements that could be interpreted as endorsements of the governor’s achievements or performance.
This controversial directive, which has stirred debate within political, media, and civic spaces, not only undermines the principles of internal party democracy but also poses a larger threat to the democratic ethos of open and constructive political engagement.
The party’s warning to its members for publicly commending Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, despite its apparent alignment with good governance, stands in stark contrast to the same party’s open praise for Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a known member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
This dual standard raises serious concerns about political consistency in our political evolution as a people, democratic maturity, and the true priorities of the opposition in Oyo State.
The same APC that warned its members in Oyo against lauding Governor Makinde’s performance was silent when its members praised Nyesom Wike, a prominent PDP figure who served as Governor of Rivers State and now holds a federal appointment in an APC-led government.
Wike has been lauded by top APC officials and even President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his effectiveness, pragmatism, and infrastructural legacy, qualities strikingly similar to those being attributed to Makinde by his occasional APC admirers in Oyo state.
Wike, despite being a national PDP stalwart, played a vital role in the ascendancy and support for the Tinubu presidency. His efforts have been rewarded with a powerful ministerial position and influence in federal policy-making. His alliance with APC at the national level is tolerated, even celebrated, despite the fact that he remains officially in the main opposition party, the PDP.
Political parties are vehicles for democratic participation and expression. While party loyalty is critical, suppressing dissenting voices or punishing members for acknowledging truth and merit in a political opponent’s performance smacks of authoritarian control rather than democratic cohesion. Such a stance by the Oyo APC curtails the freedom of thought and conscience that should characterize any modern political organization.
Internal democracy thrives when party members are allowed to express diverse views, engage in robust debates, and hold even their own party to account. By attempting to dictate what its members can or cannot say about a sitting governor, especially when such comments are based on verifiable accomplishments, the Oyo APC risks becoming insular and disconnected from the electorate it seeks to serve.
Beyond intra-party concerns, the APC’s warning sends a dangerous signal to the public. Democracy flourishes in an environment where political actors can cross ideological lines to recognize merit, encourage good governance, and collaborate on issues of public interest. When opposition parties reduce politics to blind antagonism, the ultimate losers are the citizens, who are denied a mature, issue-based political culture.
Governor Seyi Makinde, regardless of party affiliation, is the elected leader of the state not for PDP or APC. If his administration records significant achievements in areas such as infrastructure, education, health, or security, recognizing those efforts should not be seen as betrayal but as a commendation of effective leadership. When opposition figures speak objectively, it enhances their credibility and reinforces democratic accountability, pressuring those in power to do more while also preparing the opposition as a viable alternative.
In a democracy, public opinion matters. Many citizens are increasingly disillusioned with partisan politics that prioritizes self-interest over public welfare. A political party that appears more concerned with policing praise than with offering constructive criticism or policy alternatives risks alienating voters. It may also discourage young and progressive-minded individuals from joining its ranks, fearing a stifling of ideas and expression.
The electorate, especially in an information-driven age, is no longer swayed by party propaganda alone but by performance, transparency, and sincerity. Rather than silencing internal voices who recognize Governor Makinde’s impressive performance, the APC in Oyo State would do better to reassess its strategy, engage in evidence-based opposition, and present a compelling vision that surpasses what the PDP offers.
The discrepancy between how the Oyo APC handles Wike’s national collaboration and how it treats Oyo members who commend Makinde raises fundamental questions about the party’s internal logic and political principles.
Is the APC against cooperation with opposition figures in principle for public good, or only when such cooperation doesn’t serve its immediate political interests? If the party can laud Wike for his good works, despite his PDP affiliation, why can’t Oyo APC members acknowledge Makinde’s commendable governance in the interest of objectivity and people-focused politics?
This perceived double standard may suggest that the Oyo APC is more concerned with controlling narratives than genuinely encouraging good governance. It also reflects the party’s internal divisions and lack of a coherent strategy, particularly in states where it is not in power.
It’s critical and expedient to reiterate that democracy thrives when opposition parties are not just platforms for contesting elections to gain power but are also watchdogs, critics, and where necessary, partners in progress. The role of an opposition party is not merely to oppose blindly even in the face of obvious reality but to ensure that the government in power remains accountable and effective.
By stifling voices within its own ranks who recognize and commend good governance, the Oyo APC risks alienating moderate supporters who want politics based on performance, not partisan hostility. Worse still, such actions signal to the electorate that power and control matter more to the opposition than service and truth.
Meanwhile, the national party’s tolerance and praise for Wike’s crossover contributions indicate that political convenience, not ideology or governance, is what defines party conduct. This further erodes trust in political parties and fuels the perception that Nigerian politics is largely transactional.
The Oyo APC’s warning should serve as a moment of reflection to all concerned Nigerians, not only for the party but for Nigeria’s larger political class. Democracy is not a zero-sum game where acknowledging a rival’s success diminishes one’s own relevance. On the contrary, it is a marketplace of ideas where truth, excellence, and people-centered leadership should always take precedence.
If the opposition cannot acknowledge good governance when it occurs, it risks losing the moral ground to challenge bad governance when it rears its head. Constructive criticism, not enforced silence, is the hallmark of a responsible and democratic opposition. The Oyo APC must choose whether to be a beacon of progressive politics or a relic of rigid partisanship that stifles growth, both within and beyond the party.
At this point, it is imperative to state clearly that the All Progressives Congress in Oyo state cannot credibly punish members for acknowledging Governor Makinde’s successes while hailing Nyesom Wike for similar traits. Doing so only exposes the inconsistency and opportunism within the party ranks.
For Nigeria’s democracy to evolve, political actors must embrace ideological consistency and appreciate excellence, even when it comes from their rivals. Praising Makinde does not weaken the APC; it strengthens public belief in constructive politics. Just as Wike has been embraced for his contributions beyond party lines, so too should Governor Makinde’s achievements be fairly recognized, irrespective of partisan rivalry.