Oyo Group Criticizes Hon. Akin Alabi for Misleading Public on Third-Term Bid

A socio-political group, ‘Oyo Must Be Good’ (OMBG), has called on Hon. Akin Alabi to refrain from misleading the public in what they describe as an attempt to gain support for his controversial third-term campaign.

In a press release signed by the group’s Coordinator, Oyebamiji Sikiru, OMBG criticized Alabi’s remarks regarding the reconstruction of the Paara Bridge, pointing out that while the project is overdue, the responsibility falls on the Ona-Ara Local Government Chairman. However, due to inefficiencies in local government administration, the bridge remains abandoned.

Oyebamiji acknowledged Alabi’s role in facilitating the reconstruction, saying, “It is commendable that Hon. Akin Alabi, the representative for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, has facilitated the reconstruction of the bridge for the benefit of his constituents. Kudos to him for that.”

However, the group took issue with comments attributed to Alabi, specifically his claim, as quoted by his media aide, that “There are more benefits to having ranking members in the National Assembly than newcomers.” OMBG rejected this argument, viewing it as a ploy to unfairly secure support for Alabi’s anticipated third-term bid.

“If that logic holds, why did he contest against the incumbent in 2019? Shouldn’t he have allowed the former representative to enjoy the privilege of being a ranking member?” Oyebamiji asked.

The group further argued that the concept of “ranking” in the National Assembly is often used to manipulate public perception at the local level. “As a lawmaker, you must earn your rank through tangible work in your constituency, not by misleading the public,” Oyebamiji stated. He also emphasized that ranking is a term used in the National Assembly and should not be a determining factor in local elections.

Criticizing Alabi’s tenure, Oyebamiji noted, “Hon. Akin Alabi is currently serving his second term, and the public remembers his unimpressive first term. His re-election was largely due to the political wave generated by President Bola Tinubu. If his underperformance continues, he will face the consequences in future elections.”

OMBG highlighted the accomplishments of other first-term lawmakers as examples of effective leadership, citing Hon. (Engr.) Remi Oseni of Ido/Ibarapa Federal Constituency and Hon. (Dr.) Adebayo Adepoju of Ibarapa East/Central Federal Constituency. “These lawmakers have achieved more in their short time in office than Hon. Alabi, who, despite his status as a ‘ranking member,’ is only now presenting a bill on establishing a Federal Medical Centre in Ona-Ara, while others are already delivering significant results.”

The group concluded by urging Hon. Alabi to stop relying on the “ranking member” argument to unfairly gain support. “It is embarrassing that a two-term lawmaker cannot depend on his past achievements to seek re-election,” Oyebamiji remarked.