Chief Akinade Fijabi a man who saw tomorrow.

People have been calling and bombarding me with messages, asking for my thoughts on the recent statement made by High Chief Akinade Fijabi. Let me be clear: to the best of my knowledge, Chief Fijabi simply expressed his personal opinion—and he is absolutely entitled to do so. In fact, if we listen closely, it’s obvious that Chief Fijabi is merely telling the hard truth as he sees it.

Let’s face it: as things currently stand, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State lacks the political structure and grassroots coordination necessary to win a gubernatorial election. That’s not an attack—it’s an honest assessment based on the prevailing realities on the ground.

Since the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), many disgruntled and aggrieved members of the PDP have found a new political home. This migration has weakened the PDP’s internal cohesion and drained its ranks of key loyalists and grassroots mobilizers. The ripple effect of this exodus could be significant in the next election cycle.

Unless urgent reconciliation and restructuring efforts are made, the Oyo APC may suffer serious consequences. Oyo State politics is dynamic, and loyalty is often tied to visible action and inclusion, not just party labels.

Chief Fijabi’s words should be seen not as an insult, but as constructive criticism—possibly even a wake-up call. He’s raising the alarm now to prevent greater disaster later. Instead of shooting the messenger, it would be wise for the party to take a long, hard look in the mirror.

We can learn from Chief Fijabi’s forthrightness. What some might see as blunt criticism can actually be reframed as honest conversation—a kind of tough love. And in politics, sometimes frank talk is the only thing that can lead to real change.

Mogaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.