The latest outburst from the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s recent media chat as a “waste of time,” is not only reckless, it is the clearest proof that the APC has forgotten what democracy looks like. In every functioning democracy, a leader engaging directly with the citizens who entrusted him with their mandate is never a waste of time; it is the lifeblood of accountability, transparency, and responsible governance. That the Oyo APC finds such openness offensive only underscores how far it has drifted from democratic values. A political party that lashes out because a governor chooses transparency over silence has not only lost its moral compass, it is openly advertising that loss.
Contrary to the APC’s claims, the Governor did not sidestep any major issue. He confronted security operations, infrastructure development, financial management, and local government administration with clarity and courage. This willingness to face difficult questions head‑on is precisely why Oyo State was recently rated No. 1 in democratic governance nationwide; a recognition earned by a government that listens, responds, and remains accessible to its people. If the APC finds such openness uncomfortable, perhaps the discomfort lies not in the Governor’s transparency but in APC’s own hatred for accountability.
The APC’s attempt to downplay the Governor’s security efforts also fails to reflect the facts. Security is a shared responsibility between federal and state authorities, yet Oyo State under Governor Makinde has taken bold, proactive steps that many states have not even attempted. The strengthening of Amotekun, expanded patrol capacity, upgraded communication systems, the acquisition of surveillance aircraft, and deeper collaboration with federal agencies have all contributed to a significant reduction in major crime indices compared to pre‑2019 levels. To deny these gains is not opposition, it is deliberate blindness.
On the economy, the APC’s claim of “no direction” is equally hollow. Oyo State’s economic trajectory is not only clear; it is measurable and already transforming lives. Internally Generated Revenue has grown sharply since 2019. Private investments in agribusiness and other sectors continue to rise. Landmark road projects — the Moniya–Iseyin Road, the Ogbomoso–Iseyin Road, and the Circular Road — are opening new economic corridors that will serve generations. And with the upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standard, Oyo State is stepping confidently onto the global stage. These achievements contributed to Oyo State being rated No. 1 in Nigeria for liveability, a ranking rooted in economic stability, infrastructure quality, and overall quality of life.
The claim that Governor Makinde is disconnected from the grassroots is not just inaccurate, it is also illogical. This administration has engaged communities more consistently than any in recent memory. Regular town halls, media chats, empowerment programmes, and the restoration of local government elections all reflect a governance model built on inclusion. These democratic reforms are the very reason Oyo State earned its top rating in democratic governance. To accuse such a government of disconnect is an attempt to reshape reality.
The allegation that the media chat was politically motivated is baseless. The session was part of the Governor’s routine accountability mechanism, a governance tool designed to keep citizens informed. The APC’s attempt to politicize a transparent engagement with the people says a lot about the party’s warped understanding of democratic values.
Oyo State’s recent national recognitions — No. 1 in liveability and No. 1 in democratic governance — are not slogans; they are independent validations of Governor Makinde’s leadership. From security to infrastructure, from education to economic expansion, from transparency to democratic reforms, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has delivered measurable progress for Oyo State. The people have seen the work, felt the impact, and now have national recognition to affirm it.
If the APC cannot recognize these achievements, it is not because the progress is invisible — it is because the party has chosen to shut its eyes. But Oyo State is moving forward, with or without its approval. The facts are clear, the results are undeniable, and the people can see the difference. Leadership is measured by impact, not noise; and in Oyo State today, the impact speaks louder than the APC ever will
