By ABNews Editorial Desk
Former Minister’s Defection Sparks Renewed Criticism
Former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has found himself back at the center of national attention—not because of new allegations, but due to his recent defection from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the relatively obscure African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Almost overnight, public discourse has been flooded with scathing criticisms, throwback videos, and resurfaced controversies. Many are asking: Why now?
A Mixed Legacy That Was Once Whispered
For years, Aregbesola governed Osun with bold, often polarizing policies: from half-paid salaries for civil servants and sweeping education reforms, to a rising debt profile and several abandoned projects. Yet, despite the real concerns, public criticism remained mostly muted.
Yes, workers grumbled. Teachers protested quietly. A few commentators and labour unions spoke up. But in mainstream discourse, the silence was noticeable. Aregbesola remained politically protected—both by the APC’s dominance and by an unspoken national habit of ignoring faults as long as a politician stays “on our side.”
From Silence to Sudden Uproar
Now that Aregbesola has exited the APC, the silence has shattered. Social media is abuzz. Editorials and blogs are going in hard. People who barely whispered discontent before now speak loudly and righteously.
So, what changed?
Certainly not the facts. There are no fresh allegations. The policies in question are from years past. What’s changed is the political climate—and the convenience of criticism.
A National Pattern of Selective Outrage
This isn’t just about Aregbesola. It’s about Nigeria’s broader problem with political accountability. As a nation, we often refuse to hold our leaders accountable in real time. Instead, we wait—until they lose influence, fall out of favor, or switch parties—before we suddenly find our voices.
When a politician is in power or aligned with our camp, we spin their errors, excuse their missteps, or ignore their failings. But once they cross over to “the other side,” we become brave. The media digs in. Old wounds are reopened. The public becomes passionate—though often not out of principle, but out of political alignment or revenge.
Accountability Should Be Timely, Not Tactical
This cycle of silence and sudden outrage is unhealthy for democracy. If a policy was harmful in 2015, it was harmful then—not only now because it’s politically safe to say so.
The people of Osun, and Nigerians at large, deserved our concern when those issues first arose. Civil servants who received half salaries, communities impacted by abandoned projects, and students affected by shifting school systems deserved more than quiet tolerance.
Criticism delayed is justice denied. Worse, it often feels like payback, not principle.
Principled Criticism Builds Better Democracy
This doesn’t mean Aregbesola should not be criticized—far from it. He held public office. His decisions impacted lives. If his governance left behind pain, debt, or confusion, he must be held accountable.
But let that criticism be honest, timely, and non-partisan. Not because he left APC. Not because it’s politically fashionable. But because leadership matters—and accountability is the backbone of progress.
The Real Question We Must Ask
If Aregbesola were still in the APC today, would these same critics be speaking up? Would the half salaries be trending? Would media houses be digging out old clips? Would the outrage be this loud?
Sadly, we know the answer.
Until we stop tying accountability to party loyalty, we will keep failing as a democracy. If we only hold leaders accountable after they fall from grace, we aren’t defenders of democracy—we’re just angry spectators waiting for the next scandal.
A Final Word
So yes, raise the issues. Talk about Aregbesola’s record. Hold him responsible. But do it for the right reasons and in the right way.
Because selective outrage doesn’t heal—it divides. And democracy cannot thrive in a country where truth is postponed, and justice is partisan.
