Rejoinder: Setting the Record Straight on Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen’s Arise TV Interview by Felix Ajide

 

Rejoinder: Setting the Record Straight on Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen’s Arise TV Interview By Felix Ajide

By Felix Ajide

The attention of our campaign team has been drawn to a misleading and politically motivated interpretation of an Arise TV interview granted by Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen (AOT), a leading governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State.

Ordinarily, such distortions should be ignored. However, in the interest of truth, clarity, and for sake of the good people of Kwara State, it is necessary to set the record straight. Truth is considered sacred and immutable.

At no point did Dr. Alabi indict or criticize Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. The attempt by opposition elements, particularly from the PDP, to twist a forward-looking development agenda into an attack on the incumbent governor is both dishonest and desperate.

Dr. Alabi’s statements during the interview were clearly aspirational—focused on consolidating gains, addressing existing challenges, and advancing Kwara State to greater heights. In any progressive democracy, it is normal and expected for aspirants to present ideas on how to improve governance. This does not, in any way, translate into a condemnation of the current administration.

For emphasis:
Promising to “ensure better life returns to Kwara” speaks to continuity and enhancement of ongoing efforts—not a rejection of them.

The commitment to reduce poverty and restore prosperity aligns perfectly with the APC’s people-centered development agenda already in motion in the state.

Addressing insecurity with improved and modern strategies is a responsible acknowledgment that security is dynamic and requires constant innovation—not an indictment of the governor.

Targeting a reduction in out-of-school children reflects a desire to build on existing educational reforms by the governor and achieve even greater outcomes.

It is therefore misleading and intellectually dishonest to frame these policy positions as an “admission of failure.” If anything, they demonstrate seriousness, vision, and readiness to build on the solid foundation already laid by Governor AbdulRazaq.

The comparison with past administrations is also a tired political tactic that ignores the realities on ground. Kwarans are fully aware of the strides made in infrastructure, education, healthcare, social investment, and governance reforms under the current administration.

Progress is not measured by propaganda but by tangible impact—and this administration has delivered responsibly within available resources.

Let it be clearly stated: Dr. Alabi Oluwatoyin Tajudeen remains a loyal party man, committed to the ideals of the APC and respectful of the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

His aspiration is driven by a vision to build forward, not to divide or discredit; Dr. Alabi reflects a broader shift towards leadership defined not only by political pedigree, but by proven capacity, integrity and societal impact.

For now, AOT stands as a compelling contender—an enterprise builder with a governance message centred on competence, compassion and credibility, seeking to position Kwara State as a model of integrity and prosperity in Nigeria.

The opposition’s attempt to create friction within the APC will fail and is dead on arrival.

Kwarans are discerning enough to see through recycled narratives and political mischief.

Kwara is indeed progressing and will continue to do so under purposeful, people-oriented leadership. Please, Let our campaigns be issue-based and matured.

Felix Ajide is a pator, veteran journalist, Editor-in- chief of the Choice Rrporters, retired Director and member of the Nigerian Guild of Editor.