CPG Describes Accord Party’s Osun Central Senatorial Candidacy as “Wickedness Towards the People,” Questions Ganiyu Olaoluwa’s Legislative Preparedness

Reloaded News Desk

OSOGBO — The Citizens Progressive Group (CPG) has criticised the Accord Party’s decision to field Ganiyu Olaoluwa as its candidate for the Osun Central Senatorial District, describing the decision as an injustice to the people of the district, particularly when the party had other experienced and competent political figures, including Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf and many others, available for consideration.

The group expressed concern over Olaoluwa’s appearance on Rave FM’s Oro Oselu programme on Monday, October 12, 2026, where he was asked to explain his agenda for the Senate but, according to the group, failed to articulate a clear legislative programme capable of addressing the needs and aspirations of the people of Osun Central.

In a statement issued in Osogbo and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Felix Olaosebikan, CPG said the interview had raised serious questions about the quality of political recruitment and the standards applied by political parties when selecting candidates for positions of national responsibility.

“The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not a training ground for political experimentation. It is a critical institution of national lawmaking, oversight and policy development. The people of Osun Central deserve a representative who understands the responsibilities of that office and can articulate a clear vision for their constituency.

“Abuja is not Osogbo. The demands of national legislation, committee work, budget scrutiny, executive oversight and engagement with federal institutions require preparation, competence and a firm understanding of the legislative process. These responsibilities cannot be reduced to general promises made during a campaign interview,” the group stated.

CPG questioned the substance of Olaoluwa’s promises to bring constituency projects to Osun Central and provide for teachers, traditional rulers, youths and women, arguing that merely mentioning different groups does not amount to a comprehensive legislative agenda.

The group asked what specific bills the candidate intended to sponsor, which national policies he hoped to influence, how he planned to attract federal development interventions, and what measurable commitments he would make to improve the lives of his constituents.

According to CPG, a serious senatorial candidate should demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between legislation, budgetary appropriation, constituency development and executive implementation, rather than present constituency projects and general assurances as the principal substance of representation.

The group also questioned Olaoluwa’s reported declaration that he would travel to Osogbo every Friday and return to Abuja on Monday if elected senator.

“Regular contact with constituents is important, and we welcome any commitment to remain accessible to the people. However, the question is how this travel arrangement translates into effective representation, quality legislation, productive committee participation and diligent oversight of government institutions.

“Being physically present in Osogbo every weekend does not, in itself, demonstrate legislative competence. The people need to know what their senator will accomplish for them in the National Assembly, not merely how frequently he intends to travel home,” the statement added.

The group described the party’s decision to nominate Olaoluwa, despite the availability of figures such as Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, as a troubling example of the weaknesses in Nigeria’s political recruitment process.

CPG maintained that the problem extends beyond one political party or one candidate, noting that the quality of representation available to Nigerians is directly affected by the standards political parties apply when choosing those who seek public office.

“When political parties fail to place competence, experience, capacity and a demonstrable understanding of public responsibility at the centre of candidate selection, the electorate ultimately bears the consequences. This is one of the fundamental weaknesses of our democratic process.

“We find it difficult to understand why the Accord Party would overlook a figure such as Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, among other potentially qualified individuals, in favour of a candidate whose public presentation of his legislative agenda has raised these concerns. The people of Osun Central should not be treated as though any candidate can be presented to them without serious consideration of the responsibilities involved.

“If a candidate seeking a seat in the Senate cannot clearly communicate his proposed legislative priorities when given a public platform to do so, the electorate is entitled to ask searching questions about his preparedness for the office. Such questions should not be dismissed merely because some supporters are applauding him.”

CPG, however, clarified that its intervention was not an endorsement of any political party or an attempt to advance a partisan interest. The group said its concern was the quality of governance, the competence of elected representatives and the right of citizens to demand accountability from those seeking public office.

The group called on the Accord Party to explain the considerations that informed its choice of candidate and urged the people of Osun Central to look beyond party affiliation, campaign enthusiasm and promises of constituency projects when assessing those seeking their mandate.

It further challenged all senatorial candidates in Osun Central to publicly present their legislative priorities, proposed interventions, development objectives and mechanisms for accountability, insisting that voters deserve more than broad assurances from those aspiring to represent them at the highest levels of national lawmaking.

“Osun Central deserves purposeful representation. The Senate is too important for guesswork, and the future of our communities is too consequential to be left to political convenience. Candidate selection must reflect the seriousness of the office being contested.

“Our position remains simple: good governance begins with the quality of people presented for leadership. Political parties must take responsibility for their choices, and the electorate must insist on competence, capacity and accountability from everyone seeking its mandate,” the group concluded.

NEWS THAT INFORMS, MEDIA THAT TRANSFORMS