Ogun State born journalist and politician, Olalekan A. Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, has explained his decision to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, describing the move as one driven by responsibility to the people rather than personal comfort.
Shoyinka, who is the Convener of the United Premier Movement, UPM, said the decision followed months of reflection, consultations and strategic assessment with his political associates, stressing that it was neither rushed nor motivated by personal gain.
“Politics is not about convenience. It is about responsibility. Our decision to align with the APC was deliberate and guided by one overriding concern, how best to serve the people of Abeokuta and Ogun State,” he said.
Addressing concerns raised by some supporters and members of the public, Shoyinka said political parties should not be judged solely by public perception but by the quality of individuals working within them.
According to him, every political platform in Nigeria has people of integrity as well as those driven by selfish interests.
“What matters is where responsible people choose to stand and how they work to tilt the system toward progress,” he said. “Within the APC in Ogun State, we identified men and women with genuine commitment to development and public service, and it is with such leaders that we have chosen to work.”
He explained that governing effectively requires strong party structures, internal discipline and the capacity to translate ideas into action, qualities he said influenced their decision to join the ruling party.
Shoyinka added that reforming the system from outside often limits influence, noting that meaningful change requires engagement at the decision making level.
“True change demands presence at the table, influence, negotiation and persistence. We chose action over endless criticism,” he said.
He revealed that for over six months after leaving their former political platform, his group observed developments across parties, studied internal dynamics and assessed organisational strength, particularly with elections approaching.
“With elections ahead, we cannot gamble with our future or that of our constituents. Politics is not theatre. It is preparation for governance,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to supporters of Ayinla Egba and the United Premier Movement, Shoyinka said their values remained intact and their commitment to the people had not changed.
“We have not compromised and we will not compromise. Our loyalty remains first to the people,” he said.
He also appreciated the leadership of the APC in Ogun State and Abeokuta South for their support and assurances, pledging commitment to party growth, democratic ideals and the delivery of tangible dividends of democracy.
“This move is not an ending. It is the beginning of a new phase defined by responsibility, reform and results,” Shoyinka added.
