Convener of the United Premier Movement (UPM), Hon. (Chief) Olalekan Shoyinka, has cautioned political actors in Ogun State against turning politics into a “cash-and-carry enterprise,” warning that the future of the state could be mortgaged if ideology continues to give way to money politics.
Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, made the call in a statement titled “The Future We Must Secure — A Blueprint for Ideology-Driven Politics in Ogun State,” which concluded his three-part reflection on the state’s political direction.
According to him, Ogun politics is fast losing its moral compass as “popularity now trumps purpose, generosity is mistaken for governance potential, and cash carries more weight than credibility.”
He stressed that no political culture can survive without ideological clarity, party discipline, and generational thinking, warning that the state was “teetering dangerously close to full-blown transactional politics.”
“What does Yayi’s camp represent beyond massive spending and strategic influence? If we fail to return our politics to ideology, we will keep rotating candidates who serve the elite while leaving the masses behind,” he declared.
Shoyinka challenged party elders, especially in the All Progressives Congress (APC), to resist the lure of financial inducement and federal lobbying when determining endorsements ahead of the 2027 elections.
He asked them to reflect on how their decisions would shape Ogun’s future, warning that history would not forgive leaders who “sacrifice tomorrow for temporary comfort.”
“This is not just another election cycle; it is a defining moment. What you do now will either immortalize your name in the book of legacy or stain it in the book of betrayal,” he said.
The UPM convener also urged Ogun residents, particularly youths, artisans, civil servants, students, and market women, not to sell their votes for token empowerment or giveaways.
He said the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) should be treated as a “signature on the contract of leadership,” urging citizens to ask tough questions about candidates’ track records, vision, and ideology.
Highlighting the goals of the UPM, Shoyinka explained that the group was committed to supporting leaders who embrace merit-based candidacy, transparent governance, youth empowerment beyond slogans, equity in resource allocation, and long-term investment in education, health, and industry.
He stressed that the movement was not interested in “impostors dressed in money and masking ambition as generosity.”
As the 2027 elections approach, Shoyinka warned that decisions made in the coming months would echo for generations.
“Governments come and go, but decisions remain. Will you be remembered as a patriot who stood for something greater, or as a stakeholder who sold tomorrow for crumbs today? History is watching. Egba is watching. Ogun State is watching,” he concluded.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
