Dare Adeleke has once again taken to the pages of the media to question the political relevance of Ambassador Taofeeq Arapaja while dismissing reports concerning alleged defections to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). In his latest article, Adeleke makes strong claims about Arapaja’s political standing and the authenticity of the people said to have identified with the APM.
But beyond the rhetoric and personal attacks, one important question deserves an answer: what exactly is Dare Adeleke’s own political relevance and what are the concrete achievements he recorded while serving at Pacesetter Transport Service (PTS)?
Adeleke’s tenure at PTS was itself the subject of public controversy, including allegations concerning the disposal of buses inherited from the previous administration. Adeleke rejected those allegations and maintained that the administration increased the number of operational vehicles from 22 to more than 50 within two years.
That is precisely why his record should be placed before the public for scrutiny. How many buses were rehabilitated? What measurable improvement did commuters experience? What was the financial performance of PTS before and after his tenure? What infrastructure, routes or operational reforms did he introduce? These are legitimate questions whenever a former public office holder presents himself as an authority on political relevance and public service.
Rather than repeatedly declaring another politician irrelevant, Adeleke should also demonstrate the political value of his own record. Political relevance is not established merely by the frequency of newspaper articles, radio appearances or attacks on perceived opponents.
It can be examined through verifiable achievements, the people mobilised, institutions strengthened and tangible results delivered while holding public responsibility. Indeed, Adeleke himself has previously argued publicly that politicians should concentrate on supporting the masses and making their lives better. The same standard should therefore apply to him.
The debate ahead of 2027 should not become a contest of who can manufacture the harshest political language. If Dare Adeleke believes Arapaja lacks political relevance, then let him present the evidence and allow the public to examine it. But before lecturing others about relevance, Dare Adeleke should show Oyo people his political achievements, his record at PTS and the measurable impact of his years in public service. The public deserves facts, figures and verifiable accomplishments not merely political name-calling.
