Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun Central, has bluntly advised the Labour Party (LP) to focus on its internal cohesion before levelling allegations against others. His retort came in response to claims of “digital fraud” made by Chief Oluwabukola Soyoye Abayomi, a chairman of the Labour Party (LP) against the All Progressives Congress (APC) ongoing statewide electronic membership registration.
Speaking after renewing his party membership at the Odeda local government area, Senator Salisu dismissed Arabambi’s accusations, framing the APC’s digital drive as a strategic strength.
“You can only tag something a digital fraud if you are required to participate in it,” Salisu stated. “I think they should spend more effort to go and determine whether they still have a party and to also reconcile among themselves.”
He further likened the exercise to a national undertaking, questioning the basis for external criticism. “A party that is in power is making an effort to continue to enjoy the mandate of the people… If Nigerians are doing a national population census, what concerns a Ghanaian with whether the exercise is a fraud?”
The senator defended the e-registration as a crucial tool for securing Nigeria’s identity, improving security, and verifying members through technology. He outlined its core objectives: verifying Nigerians’ identities, underscoring the importance of digital infrastructure, and solidifying the APC’s strategic framework.
Amid the political exchange, Senator Salisu pivoted to a showcase of constituency projects, presenting a tangible record of development. He listed numerous initiatives recently completed or inaugurated, including:
· Infrastructure: Rehabilitation of the 7.5km abandoned Camp-FUNAAB road, construction of the Arakanga-Mawuko-Opeji road, and the installation of solar-powered street lights across 15 communities in Abeokuta North, Abeokuta South, Odeda, Ifo, Obafemi Owode, and Ewekoro.
· Education & ICT: Establishment of ICT centres at Government Science and Technical College, Olobe, and Community High School, Oluke; provision of ICT equipment to Nawairudeen Grammar School, Ijemo Titun High School, and others; and distribution of educational materials across Ogun Central.
· Utilities: Installation of motorised solar-powered boreholes in five communities, including Olomore and Onikolobo, and provision of transformers for the Isabo and Fajabi communities.
· Empowerment: Digital training programs for artisans, teachers, undergraduates, and graduates, alongside aquaculture training for fish farmers.
Salisu also highlighted specific interventions like the installation of a 24-hour power supply and distribution of laptops at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) secretariat in Abeokuta.
Commending the leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dapo Abiodun, Senator Salisu asserted that the APC’s combination of technological adoption and grassroots development is transforming the political process and deepening democracy.
“It’s not just about fixing a road,” he said, referring to the ongoing rehabilitation, “it’s about boosting the local economy, supporting farmers, and improving learning outcomes for students.”
The senator’s robust defence of his party’s digital initiative, coupled with an extensive display of projects, sets a contrasting narrative against the backdrop of opposition criticism.
