The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs and Member representing Ijesa North Federal Constituency, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, has drawn a compelling parallel between politics and football, emphasizing the indispensable role of opposition and rivalry in sustaining a healthy democracy.
In a recent statement addressing the evolving political atmosphere in Osun State ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain asserted that politics, much like sports, thrives on competition, diversity of choices, and active engagement.
“Politics is like sport,” Oke remarked. “Just like in football, where a team cannot play against itself and still expect to entertain the fans, politics loses its essence without opposition. Democracy only flourishes when there is a viable contest of ideas and leadership.”
According to the federal lawmaker, democracy is fundamentally anchored on the freedom of choice. Without credible alternatives, the political process becomes hollow and uninspiring, he said.
“Without an opponent, the match lacks meaning. A political party cannot contest an election alone and expect legitimacy. There must be an alternative choice to truly validate the people’s will.”
Hon. Oke praised the renewed presence and rising momentum of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State and across the nation, describing it as a refreshing development that bodes well for democratic deepening.
“In the spirit of democratic sportsmanship, I welcome the reawakening of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Their visible presence ahead of the 2026 election adds color, vibrancy, and depth to the political arena. It’s a sign of increasing political maturity across board.”
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