There is a difference between political analysis and sponsored political mischief, unfortunately, Sunday Wale Adeniran’s attempt to diminish the political stature of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola falls squarely into the latter category.
It is rather unfortunate that some people have become so uncomfortable with Aregbesola’s political relevance that they now resort to interpreting election figures from a single polling unit as a referendum on a political career spanning several decades.
Let us educate Adeniran and his fellow travellers: Rauf Aregbesola’s political influence was not built in one election, one polling unit or through the patronage of any political godfather. It was built over the years through political organisation, grassroots mobilisation, personal sacrifices, loyalty to progressive ideals and a connection with ordinary people.
A man who served as Governor of Osun State, transformed its political landscape, served as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and currently occupies the position of National Secretary of the ADC cannot have his political worth reduced to the number of people who voted for his party in front of his residence.
Elections are influenced by several factors, including party structure, candidates, local dynamics, voter mobilisation and prevailing political circumstances, reducing all these variables to Aregbesola’s personal influence is either intellectual laziness or a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
More importantly, if Adeniran genuinely believes that polling-unit figures are the ultimate measurement of political relevance, he should apply that same standard consistently to every political leader, including those he celebrates.
But the real question is: why are these people so obsessed with Rauf Aregbesola?
Is it because he has refused to surrender his political convictions to the dictates of those who believe that political loyalty must always mean unquestionable submission? Or is it because his political independence has become uncomfortable for those who would rather see every Yoruba politician remain permanently under the shadow of one political personality?
Adeniran and his sponsors should understand that writing sponsored articles, manufacturing narratives and celebrating isolated electoral figures will not erase the political history Aregbesola has built.
You can disagree with Aregbesola, but you cannot rewrite his history, you can criticise his political decisions, but you cannot wish away his contributions. And you certainly cannot diminish his influence simply because he has chosen a different political direction.
Rather than spending their time searching for ways to ridicule Aregbesola, perhaps Adeniran and his political benefactors should face the people of the South West and explain what their political demi-god, Bola Tinubu, has delivered after three years in power.
Let them tell Nigerians what has happened to the promises of renewed hope. Let them explain why hunger has become a painful reality for millions of households, why insecurity continues to claim innocent lives, why economic hardship has become unbearable for ordinary families and why many of the promises that accompanied the administration’s arrival remain unfulfilled.
Let them explain what tangible relief the average Yoruba trader, farmer, artisan, civil servant, unemployed graduate and struggling family can point to after three years of this misgovernance.
The people of the South West deserve more than political propaganda, personality worship and endless excuses, they deserve answers, accountability and measurable improvements in their standard of living.
If Tinubu’s administration has performed so remarkably, why are his supporters more interested in attacking Aregbesola than defending the government’s record before the people?
That is the question Adeniran should answer.
As for Atiku Abubakar and the ADC, the opposition’s political strategy, electoral prospects and internal disagreements are matters that will ultimately be determined by the Nigerian electorate. It is premature to declare the outcome of an election that has not yet taken place or to assume that political fortunes are permanently determined by one electoral outing.
Adeniran should also understand that political movements are not built exclusively with money. Ideas, credibility, organisation, leadership, public dissatisfaction and the desire for political alternatives are equally important.
Finally, let it be clear that Rauf Aregbesola does not need Sunday Wale Adeniran’s approval to remain politically relevant. His political journey, contributions and relationships with people across the country speak for themselves.
Those who have made attacking Aregbesola their political assignment should remember that political seasons change, sponsors come and go, and propaganda eventually loses its appeal.
Instead of being pre-occupied with the political obituary of a man who is very much active in Nigeria’s political space, they should concentrate on explaining the realities of the government they defend.
The South West is bigger than any individual and its people are not condemned to permanent political allegiance without accountability.
Aregbesola’s political journey cannot be erased by sponsored write-ups and the suffering of Nigerians cannot be covered up by attacking opposition figures.
Let the debate be about performance, not propaganda, let the argument be about the welfare of the people, not the political survival of a few individuals.
The people are watching. And when the time comes, they will have the final say.
