By Oke Godwin Olaoluwa (O.G.O)
As the 2027 election season draws closer, political horse-trading is gradually taking centre stage. Prince Kehinde Oyefusi, an opposition party candidate, has raised pertinent questions about accountability and transparency empowerment projects by politicians. However, two important questions arise from his statement: Are these the right questions to ask, and if so, are they being directed at the right people?
- Accountability and Transparency: Who Should Answer the Questions?
Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), provide the National Assembly with important oversight and investigative powers. These provisions empower the legislature to investigate certain matters within its constitutional mandate.
As someone who has consistently advocated accountability and transparency in government, I would have been more interested if the opposition candidate had directed his questions to the relevant government agencies responsible for procuring the empowerment equipment.
For instance, a Freedom of Information Act request could have been submitted to the relevant agencies, seeking disclosure of the cost of the equipment, the amount appropriated for the project and the procurement process.
Such an approach would move the conversation beyond political statements and place verifiable facts before the public. Accountability is not merely about asking questions; it is also about identifying the institutions responsible and using the available legal and institutional mechanisms to obtain answers.
- Fairness and Favouritism: Where Is the Evidence?
On the question of fairness and possible favouritism, it is important to examine the stated objectives of the empowerment programme and assess whether its implementation aligns with them.
A number of WhatsApp platforms were reportedly given slots to nominate beneficiaries. The message accompanying the initiative stated:
“Please note that this initiative is strictly meant for vulnerable and less-privileged individuals who genuinely need support. It is not intended for government officials, directors, political stakeholders, or other privileged individuals.”
The message clearly states the programme’s intended beneficiaries. However, stating an objective is not the same as demonstrating that the objective has been achieved.
Rather than merely asking the providers of the equipment to supply beneficiary details, the opposition candidate could have conducted an independent, evidence-based investigation into the selection process and the profiles of the beneficiaries. He could then have presented verifiable findings showing whether the programme complied with its stated eligibility criteria or whether there was evidence of favouritism.
This would have given the public something more substantial than allegations or questions alone. Where concerns about exclusion or preferential treatment exist, they should be supported by evidence.
- Empowerment Is More Than a Gift; It Is a Public Responsibility
While I agree that empowerment projects should not be presented merely as gifts from politicians, I also believe it is the fulfilment of a fiduciary duty by the federal legislator who had sworn an oath to provide responsibly representation to the people of Ikorodu.
The opposition must go beyond identifying shortcomings in the actions of those in government. It must also demonstrate that it has better ideas and more effective alternatives to offer the people of Ikorodu.
It is not enough to criticise an existing programme; a credible alternative should explain how things can be done better.
- Beyond Performative Politics: Ikorodu Deserves a Serious Alternative
As the 2027 election approaches, the opposition cannot afford to remain an armchair critic. Opposition politics should not be reduced to issuing statements for publicity or making questions the end goal of political engagement.
If Prince Kehinde Oyefusi and other opposition figures seek to persuade the people of Ikorodu to choose an alternative, they must demonstrate the capacity to investigate, present evidence, propose workable solutions and articulate a clear vision for the constituency.
The people deserve more than political rhetoric. They deserve facts, credible scrutiny, practical alternatives and a commitment to responsible governance.
Ultimately, the question is not simply whether empowerment projects are being implemented. It is whether they are transparent, fair, effective and responsive to the needs of the people.
Ikorodu deserves an opposition that does more than ask questions. It deserves one that knows which questions to ask, whom to ask, how to obtain verifiable answers, and what better alternatives to put on the table.
Oke Godwin Olaoluwa (O.G.O), an economist and public commentator writes from Ikorodu
