As we reflect on the 2022–2023 political journey that led to the historic emergence of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we cannot overlook the enormous sacrifices made by many leaders, stakeholders, and especially the progressive youth across Oyo State and the Southwest region at large.

During that critical period, several committed individuals invested their time, energy, resources, and influence to ensure the victory of the APC and the realization of the Renewed Hope agenda. Youths across Oyo State joined various support groups, took to the streets, canvassed door-to-door, and mobilized voters with unwavering dedication and loyalty to the progressive cause.

However, following the success of the general elections and the formation of the new administration, federal appointments began to roll in but to the surprise of many, several of those who stood at the forefront of the campaign have been left behind. Over two years into the administration, a good number of grassroots mobilizers, party loyalists, and dedicated youths in Oyo State are yet to be recognized, appointed, or empowered in any meaningful way.

While it is understood that politics can sometimes be unpredictable with benefits often going to those who contributed little to the struggle, it remains disheartening that those who sacrificed the most continue to be ignored. This situation raises some very pressing questions:

What are the criteria used in selecting individuals for appointments?

Why have many of the frontliners and committed youth not been considered?

What message does this send to the party faithful who toiled day and night for victory?

The reality is that many competent and qualified young people within the party with strong academic backgrounds and technical skills remain unemployed, underutilized, or unempowered. Some who left their small businesses and personal work to campaign now live with the burden of missed opportunities, struggling to find stability and support.

Meanwhile, it is unfortunate to observe that a number of federal appointees from Oyo State seem to prioritize personal enjoyment with close associates and family, often neglecting the very youths and loyalists whose efforts paved the way for the privileges they now enjoy.

It is high time we speak up. We cannot continue to pretend that all is well when the people who made victory possible are sidelined. Our leaders who led the charge deserve to be encouraged, supported, and refueled. Our youths the foot soldiers of this administration need life-changing empowerment, access to opportunities, and meaningful engagement in governance.

We are not calling for entitlement. We are calling for fairness, inclusion, and recognition. If we truly want to sustain the progressive movement in Oyo State and beyond, then we must carry everyone along especially those who gave everything to bring about this success.

This is a sincere call to action. We must not remain silent. The youth of the APC in Oyo State deserve to benefit from this administration, and we believe that reaching out to the right channels, respectfully and strategically, is essential for the balance and growth of our party.

I am Akanni Muhammed

Ibadan NorthEast.