Professor Adeniyi Olowofela, immediate past Commissioner representing Oyo State at the Federal Character Commission and former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, has criticised Nigeria’s security vote system, describing it as an institutionalised avenue for corruption.Content creation services
Olowofela, who also served as Chairman of Ido Local Government Area in Oyo State, spoke on Nigeria’s political culture, economic reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insecurity, taxation, party politics, and governance challenges in this interview with Olusesan Laoye.
Can you assess Nigeria’s current political situation?
When you look at what is happening now under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you will notice that many prominent politicians are flocking to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The party has existed for years, but the scale of defections we are witnessing now is unprecedented. Clearly, there is something peculiar about President Tinubu that is attracting politicians from other parties.
What do you think is peculiar about Tinubu?Public administration course
He is an economist, and the first major thing he did was to resuscitate the economy. Since 1999, there has never been a time when states and local governments received the kind of funds they are getting now. He achieved that.
In education, people who previously could not afford higher education can now access student loans through NELFUND. That is very strategic.
There is also relative peace in the country. Yes, insecurity remains a challenge, but with the support of the American government and the efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies, I believe we will see significant improvement.
Advertisement
The President has also appointed many Nigerians into strategic positions. While not all have performed well, those found wanting have been shown the way out, and more changes are expected.
Even food prices, which had risen sharply, are now falling. I don’t think that has happened in the last 20 or 30 years. It shows the economy is gradually being fixed.
Some fear Nigeria may drift into a one-party state. What is your reaction?
It is practically impossible. The Constitution guarantees freedom of association. People can form political parties at any time.
For instance, Atiku Abubakar, Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark and Peter Obi are forming the ADC. That alone shows Nigeria remains a multi-party democracy. A one-party state will not work here.
Some Nigerians believe U.S. involvement in Nigeria’s security undermines sovereignty. What is your view?
President Donald Trump recently declared Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern due to terrorism. Combating insecurity requires intelligence gathering.
We once believed insurgency was limited to Borno, Katsina and Zamfara, but intelligence later revealed Sokoto was also involved. The U.S. achieved this through satellite surveillance, which can monitor activities in real time.
ISIS is a global terror network. If Nigeria becomes its recruitment base, it threatens the entire world. U.S. intervention is aimed at preventing escalation.
Their involvement will also expose insurgents’ funding sources and compel Nigeria’s military to act decisively, knowing they are being monitored.
Will this intervention strengthen Nigeria’s democracy?
Yes. No country exists in isolation. Nigerians are everywhere across the globe, including in the U.S. military.
Many nations wonder how a country as gifted as Nigeria can struggle with so many problems. Nigeria’s success is a source of pride for Black people worldwide. Solving our problems uplifts the global Black community.
What is your view on the Ibadan Circular Road project, which has displaced residents?
Law is for man, not man for law. The Circular Road project was conceived during Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s tenure as governor. When late Governor Abiola Ajimobi reviewed it, he suspended implementation to avoid hardship.
At the time the plan was drawn, Ibadan was not as developed as it is today. Population growth and urban expansion have changed realities. Any government implementing it now must reassess and minimise human suffering.
Development is good, but the pain of displaced families must be carefully addressed.
What do you think of the new tax laws introduced in January 2026?
Taxes are meant to increase government revenue. VAT is a good example. Before VAT, government lost enormous revenue.
With more funds, citizens can demand accountability: better roads, water, healthcare and education. Taxes also reduce leakages and make people more conscious of governance.
But won’t more revenue also increase corruption?
Corruption can’t be eliminated, only reduced. Some policies actually encourage corruption.
For instance, a governor earns less than ₦2 million monthly but controls security votes of up to ₦500 million without accountability. That is institutionalised corruption.
Governors should earn decent salaries, maybe ₦5 million monthly, rather than having unchecked funds. Security votes must be reviewed.
Is APC ready to take power from PDP in Oyo State in 2027?
Yes. APC lost in 2023 because some leaders supported Governor Seyi Makinde against Tinubu. This time, people have assessed Makinde and are tired of PDP.
The APC is the alternative, and we will win convincingly.
Some say APC reconciliation is superficial. What’s your take?
Reconciliation is a continuous process, not a one-off meeting. No individual is bigger than the APC. We all understand the cost of disunity. The reconciliation will work, and APC will win in 2027.
Is ADC a threat to APC in 2027?
Not at all. In fact, it has made things easier for APC. Atiku Abubakar will eventually emerge as ADC’s candidate. Peter Obi will lose credibility if he is not the presidential candidate.
Obi’s supporters backed him in 2023 as an alternative to APC and PDP. Becoming a running mate would weaken that support.
Has Obi made a mistake joining ADC?
Constitutionally, he has the right. Politically, it is a mistake. Staying in Labour Party would have made him a formidable force. Now, he risks being seen as an all-weather politician.
What is your view on local government autonomy?
When fully implemented, it will transform grassroots governance. But right now, there is still a bottleneck.
What is your next political move?Public administration course
It is in God’s hands. I have served at local, state and federal levels. I understand governance deeply and can perform excellently in any position.
I am not declaring ambition, but whoever emerges as APC’s candidate will have my full support.
By
