When a man leaves a position of national responsibility under a cloud of poor performance and immediately sets his sights on governing a state, it is not just a political move. it is an invitation for public scrutiny.
The reported resignation of Adebayo Adelabu from his role as Minister of Power, allegedly to pursue his governorship ambition in Oyo State, raises urgent concerns that cannot be swept under the carpet.
This is not about personal ambition; it is about accountability.
During his time overseeing Nigeria’s power sector, millions of Nigerians endured relentless blackouts. Homes were left in darkness, businesses crippled, and hopes dimmed. The power situation did not just stagnate, it worsened in many respects. For a country already grappling with economic hardship, unstable electricity was more than an inconvenience; it was a daily burden that deepened poverty and frustration.
Now, the same figure under whose watch darkness became almost normalized seeks to lead a state that prides itself on resilience, growth, and progressive politics.
Oyo State is not a testing ground for recycled leadership. It is a state with a rich political history, one that demands competence, vision, and proven results, not unfulfilled promises and questionable records.
The question is simple: if the lights could not stay on at the national level, what confidence should the people of Oyo have in a brighter future under the same leadership?
This is where citizens must draw the line between political rhetoric and measurable impact. Leadership is not about titles held, but about outcomes delivered. And when those outcomes fall short, ambition should take a back seat to reflection and accountability.
It is deeply concerning that rather than addressing the glaring issues left behind in the power sector, there is a swift pivot to another political pursuit. Governance is not a game of musical chairs where leaders move from one office to another without answering for their performance.
Oyo people deserve more than slogans. They deserve leaders who have demonstrated capacity, integrity, and a genuine commitment to public service.
As the political landscape begins to take shape ahead of the next election cycle, voters must remain vigilant. Popularity, connections, and party backing must not overshadow competence and track record.
The era of recycling failure must come to an end.
If Oyo State must move forward, it cannot afford to gamble its future on leadership that Nigerians have already questioned. The stakes are too high, and the consequences too real.
Let this moment serve as a reminder: public office is a responsibility, not a reward. And those who seek it must be ready to answer for their past before asking for the future.
E-signed: Comrade James Onifade
Advocate for Good Governance and A Better Judicial System
