Public office not souvenir, politicians must work to earn it – Oyo South Senatorial Aspirant, Awoleye

A leading aspirant on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the Oyo South Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, Hon. Dada Awoleye, has criticized Nigeria’s political culture, warning that public office must never be treated as a ceremonial reward or private entitlement but as a duty that must be earned through performance and accountability.

Awoleye, a two-term member of the House of Representatives, spoke against what he described as a troubling trend where elected officials, despite failing to justify the mandate entrusted to them by the electorate, continue to seek re-election or even aspire to higher offices.

Awoleye’s reaction comes amid growing public discourse on accountability and performance in public office, particularly as political alignments and ambitions begin to take shape ahead of 2027 general elections.

According to him, “the practice reflects a deeper malaise in the political system”, where governance is often reduced to personal gain rather than genuine service to the people.

“Public office is not a souvenir to be collected and displayed. It is a responsibility that must be justified daily through impact, integrity, and measurable service to the people.

“The era where politicians see electoral victory as a lifetime entitlement must come to an end.”

He expressed concern over what he termed the commercialization of governance, noting that some political actors approach public service with a mindset akin to running private enterprises, prioritizing personal enrichment over public good.

“It is unacceptable that individuals who have not delivered on their promises return to the people asking for more power, as though governance were a private business venture.

“Leadership is not about accumulation; it is about sacrifice, responsibility, and results,” Awoleye stated.

He further decried the weaponization of poverty in the political space, arguing that systemic deprivation has been deliberately sustained by some officeholders as a tool for political control.

“There is a dangerous pattern where poverty is not just a challenge but a strategy. When people are kept economically vulnerable, they are easier to manipulate during elections.

This undermines democracy and strips citizens of their dignity and that is why we can see how impossible it has become for anybody to break governor Seyi Makinde for instance, because his love and support base are organic not purchased, this is what we call true leadership with visible results,” he added.

The former lawmaker warned that the continued exploitation of the masses could have far-reaching consequences, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly aware and unwilling to accept the status quo.

“If politicians persist in treating public office as a private enterprise rather than a platform for service, they must understand that history is watching and taking record our actions and inactions.

“There will come a time when the children of the oppressed will question the children of their oppressors. No society can sustain such imbalance indefinitely,” Awoleye cautioned.

He emphasized the need for a shift in political values, urging both leaders and citizens to redefine the purpose of governance in Nigeria.

In his words: “Our politics must evolve from transactional engagements to transformational leadership.

“The people deserve leaders who are committed to development, fairness, and the collective progress of society not the types that only distribute rice and garri at every season elections beckon”