APC chieftain Babafemi Ojudu has defended his public criticism of the stalled Akure–Ado-Ekiti road project after facing backlash from fellow party members who viewed his remarks as an attack on President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Ojudu, a former presidential media aide, recently drew attention to the deteriorated state of the federal highway, which connects Ondo and Ekiti states and passes through the city where he resides. His social media post prompted sharp responses from some All Progressives Congress members, who accused him of undermining the ruling party and the federal government.
In a follow-up Facebook post, Ojudu questioned the basis of the criticism. He argued that demanding accountability for abandoned public infrastructure is a constitutional right of every citizen and should not be equated with political disloyalty. “What manner of citizens are we becoming? Does belonging to a political party require surrendering one’s conscience, citizenship and right to demand accountability? Must party loyalty mean applauding everything and questioning nothing?” he wrote.
The former aide emphasized that his APC membership does not strip him of his civic duties. “I can commend the government when it performs well and question it when something appears to have gone wrong,” he stated, framing his intervention as a patriotic responsibility rather than partisan opposition.
The exchange highlights growing tensions within the ruling party over the space for internal dissent. While party loyalty is often enforced through informal pressure, Ojudu’s stance reflects a broader debate about the obligations of public officials and party stakeholders to hold government accountable, even when it involves projects in their own constituencies.
The Akure–Ado-Ekiti road has long been a source of concern for motorists and communities along the corridor. Its prolonged neglect has disrupted commerce, increased travel times, and raised safety risks. Ojudu’s decision to spotlight the issue — despite political repercussions — underscores the friction between party discipline and the public’s expectation of responsive governance.
As the administration continues to prioritize infrastructure development, the reaction to Ojudu’s comments may signal how the party manages internal criticism ahead of key policy decisions. For now, the episode reinforces the principle that civic engagement and partisan affiliation are not mutually exclusive, even in a highly polarized political environment.
