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• Promises 80% Mechanized Agricultural Sector, Free Health For All
Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, a prominent gubernatorial aspirant in the 2024 Ondo State election, has pledged to modernize the agricultural sector if he secures the APC flag and becomes the governor. This commitment was made during his visit to Akure South and North Local Governments yesterday, where he addressed APC executives and supporters.
During the meeting, Hon. Odimayo not only emphasized his determination to mechanize agriculture but also promised a comprehensive free medical outreach across the state. He particularly highlighted the need to address high blood pressure, a prevalent issue causing fatalities among the local population.
Expressing confidence in his aspiration, Omo’oba Odimayo reassured party executives and supporters about his capability to secure the party’s ticket in the upcoming primaries. He encouraged his supporters to escalate their efforts in mobilizing voters within their respective wards and units.
Hon. Olayinka Alabi, the former commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Ondo State, praised Odimayo’s intellectual acumen and substantial experience as a chartered accountant in diverse multinational companies, envisioning a prosperous future for Ondo State under his leadership.
APC leaders in Akure South and Akure North, including the APC Chairman in Akure South local government, Mr Kayode Akinmolayan, his Akure North counterpart, Chief Joshua Eleti, APC Women Leader in Akure South local government, Mrs. Funke Daramola, and others, expressed confidence in Odimayo’s campaign structure, pledging their support for his gubernatorial aspirations emphasizing the importance of Odimayo fulfilling his promises if elected.
Emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the aspirations of party members in Ondo State, party leaders called on the incoming governor to make it a top priority. They also assured their support for his aspirations, urging him to consider the interests of party leaders in his governance.
The entourage of the incoming governor included notable political figures such as Hon. Mrs. Olayinka Alabi, Chief Sunday Ajoniloju Hon. Stephen Olowodasa, Central Women Coordinator for Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, Mrs Olabimpe Akinyemi, Hon. Kayode Abiodun, Hon. Mrs. Wunmi Adenipekun among others.
Victor Adedeji, Director of Media to Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo,
Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, OSOPADEC, Chairman, Elder Sam Erejuwa has said that nobody from Ilaje has moral justification to contest against Aiyedatiwa.
The Chairman made the statement in the Igbokoda headquarters of Ilaje Local government while declaring his support for the Governor of Ondo State, His Excellency, Mr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa ahead of the 2024 governorship election.
Also, began massive mobilization for his emergence of the Governor as a candidate of the APC in the forthcoming April governorship primary election.
He said no man or woman of Ilaje is justified to contest against Governor Aiyedatiwa, having been praying for the position of Governor for the past 60 years and got it cheaply through a divine arrangement.
The Chairman thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa for showing keen interest in the peace and development of Ondo State, adding that Governor Aiyedatiwa is a man with a large heart.
Erejuwa enumerated some of the commission’s completed projects, awaiting commissioning before the end of 2024. He further highlighted some of his plans to develop the mandate areas.
According to him, “there is a need to make our party stronger and that necessitated the idea of this declaration to bring everybody on board to support Governor Aiyedatiwa’s aspiration.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, the APC Chairman in Ilaje Local Government, Mr Raphael Adegboye called on the party’s members to pay glowing tributes to former governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu SAN, CON, before he started delivering his speech, recognized all the party leaders who were present at the event and all the party members across all the 12 wards in Ilaje Local Government.
Adegboye thanked God for counting Ilaje man, in the person of Aiyedatiwa worthy as the Governor of Ondo state when least expected. He also commended the OSOPADEC Chairman, for the timely declaration to support Governor Aiyedatiwa, stressed that God has enthroned Governor Aiyedatiwa and that the Ilaje people must rally around him to win the April 2024 governorship primary election.
He said, “The party’s supremacy, unity, and progress must be the paramount concern of all the leaders and members.”
Some of the party leaders, Barr. Magnus Araulene and Dr. (Mrs.) Wunmi Ilawole charged the party members to continue massive mobilization for Governor Aiyedatiwa.
Other leaders at the declaration were Dr. Ibukun Omotehinse, former NDDC Commissioner; Dr. Roju Malumi, Mr. Daniel Mafolabomi, and Mr. Omokunle Orokoto among others.
An educationist, Dr Daisi Oke, has called on governments at all levels to increase the level of women’s participation in governance from 35 per cent to 45 per cent.
Oke, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Okitipupa, Ondo State,
She said that had become necessary in order for women to make more positive impacts on the society.
She noted that the roles of women in all spheres of life could not be over-emphasised, as they were needed to shape the society.
Oke, however, said that their inclusion and participation in politics, economy and other sectors were being undermined, owing to men’s dominance.
According to her, in spite of the large population of women and their huge potentials, men’s dominance has reduced the level at which women ought to be participating in all spheres of the society.
“I encourage our women to be more courageous and come out to ensure that their impacts are felt more in the society, thereby changing the narratives.
“I also want to appeal to governments at all levels to increase women’s participation in politics, economy and other areas of the economy from 35 per cent to 45 per cent so as to give them the opportunity to unleash their potentials,” she said.
NAN reports that Oke is also the wife of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, Chief Olusola Oke.
Oke used the opportunity to call on the people of the state to support her husband in his bid to secure the APC ticket for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
She assured residents that the legal luminary possessed such qualities as integrity, dedication, accountability and transparency, adding that he had all it takes to change the narratives in the state.
Oke also emphasised the governorship aspirant’s avowed commitment to women’s emancipation and the need to accord them their dues.
“He (Oke) supported the late former Governors Olusegun Agagu and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to excel while they were in office.
“This shows his absolute loyalty to our state. So, I urge residents to give their total support to Oke in his bid to become the governor of our dear state in the forthcoming election,” she said. (NAN)
AYOTIDE 2024 Governorship Campaign Team, working for the emergence of Dr Victor Ayodeji Oritedi as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming primaries in April says it has resumed campaign activities.
This is coming after suspension of all campaign activities due to the death of former late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Akure by Amb. Victor Oritedi.
He said he had used the period to reflect, regroup and plan for the exciting days ahead.
The full statement below! ……..Today marks one month since we suspended our campaign activities out of respect for the passing of our late governor, the esteemed Arakunri Rotimi Akeredolu SAN. During this period, we have collectively mourned his loss and honored his remarkable legacy.
I am thrilled to announce that we are now ready to resume our campaign with renewed vigor and determination.
We have taken this time to reflect, regroup, and plan for the exciting days ahead. Our commitment to our vision for a better future for our state remains unwavering, and we are more determined than ever to bring about positive change and progress.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support during this challenging time. Your dedication to our cause is deeply appreciated, and we are eager to continue this journey with you by our side.
As we embark on this next phase of our campaign, we look forward to engaging with you, sharing our plans, and working together to build a brighter future for our state. Together, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our shared goals.
Thank you once again for your steadfast support. Let’s move forward with optimism and determination as we work towards a better tomorrow for all.
Sincerely,
Dr. Victor Ayodeji Oritedi AYOTIDE 2024 Governorship Campaign Team
Leadership is so arduous that theories and precepts sometimes fail. In fact, specifics change with time, geography and the nature of people involved. That’s why the practice of democracy in nearby Ghana may be different from what obtains in Nigeria.
Plato, the great philosopher, wrote about how he initially nursed a desire for a career in public service. In the autobiography attached to the seventh letter, Plato recounted how he had hoped for a political career but couldn’t stand the movement of shifting currents. He was befuddled by things not envisaged.
“The result was that I, who had at first been full of eagerness for a public career, as I gazed upon the whirlpool of public life and saw the incessant movement of shifting currents, at last felt dizzy… And finally saw clearly in regard to all states now existing that without exception their system of government is bad. Their constitutions are almost beyond redemption except through some miraculous plan accompanied by good luck”
Governor Aiyedatiwa must have felt challenged by the daunting tasks ahead when nature beckoned on him to lead Ondo state on the 27th of December 2023. Managing human and material resources of the state to enhance the well-being of the citizens was one thing, while managing the cacophony within the ruling political party (APC), was another. A litmus test of his sagacity was his step to reunite the factionalized NURTW. Through a genuine desire to reconcile and a win-win approach, Aiyedatiwa brought peace to a trade Union that was hitherto known for crisis and disorder. His desire to unite and forge a common front among the union members for the peace and progress of the state overwhelmed the usual desire of political players to use the NURTW as a partisan tool. Without any doubt, a man who could unite rival groups within the NURTW must have the capacity to bring peace to restless souls.
The infighting within the APC in the days before the just concluded by-election in Akoko North East/North West Federal constituency, presented Governor Aiyedatiwa with another opportunity to stretch the olive branch, calm frayed nerves, massage hurting egos, balance discordant tendencies and refocus the party towards united and common interests. His meeting with aggrieved aspirants, personal calls with esteemed leaders of Akoko and presence at the grand finale of Ife Ehindero’s campaign provided serious boost to the electoral success of the APC in the just concluded House of Representatives by-election in Akoko North.
Governor Aiyedatiwa is rekindling the ‘Omoluabi’ spirit in the governance of Ondo State and within the ranks of his political party where he is now the leader. With his leadership style, the era of tyrannical politicking and disrespect for the interest of leaders, party members and stakeholders is being swept into the bin. Like his last name evokes, Ondo State is for all of us and APC for all members. ‘Ondo Datiwa and APC Datiwa’.
Aiyedatiwa is a statesman, whose pursuit in the State and within his party is to entrench peace and progress. His desire is to lead a state where the legitimate aspirations of citizens can be realized. He sees his political party as a family where all members have equal rights to pursue interests within set rules and parameters without being constrained or cheated. While it will be difficult to actualize the dreams of all members at the same time, a party where the dreams of all are actualized at different times is attainable with the leadership style of Governor Aiyedatiwa. With him at the helm of affairs, APC will continue to offer values to the people of Ondo state beyond 2025.
In closing, I wish to re-echo Governor Aiyedatiwa’s ‘no vacancy in Alagbaka’ stance. It is a commitment to ensure that APC continues to win for the people of Ondo state. May the rains of prosperity pour heavily upon our state under his leadership and beyond.
Sunday Olugbenga Abire is Special Assistant on New Media to the Governor of Ondo State
Major stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Okitipupa local government have adopted Ondo State Governor,Lucky Aiyedatiwa as their preferred candidate to fly the party’s governorship flag in the November 16, 2024, Gubernatorial Election.
According to the leaders at the meeting held on Tuesday, “This is the obvious mandate that will deliver continuity for APC in Ondo State.
The leaders recognized the legitimate rights of the ten other Gubernatorial Aspirants from the local government seeking the ticket of the party for the exalted office of Governor of Ondo State.
But after critical deliberation, the meeting observed the reality of the emerging divine arrangement that produced His Excellency, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as the Governor of Ondo State.
Further observed with satisfaction, the deliberate decision of Mr Governor to continue the good work started by our late leader and Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN which he has demonstrated in words and actions.
The leaders believed that the emergence of Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa as Governor of Ondo State at this time and in the foreseeable future is by the divine arrangement that enjoys the will of God.
The aforementioned major stakeholders include Pastor Olufemi Agagu – former COS & Commissioner for Education, Science , and Technology, Mr Ola Oguntimehin – former MHA, DG, SSA to Governor and currently Commissioner, Ondo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Mr Ololade Gbegudu – MHA, Okitipupa, Mr Igbekele Akinrinwa – Former Chairman, Okitipupa LGA, DR Mrs Morenike Alaka – former Chairman, Okitipupa LGA, SSA to Governor & currently Member, Governing Council, RUGIPO.
Also at the meeting, Mrs. Lola Akinseloyin – Commissioner, Judicial Service Commission, Pastor Segun Ayerin – former Chairman, Okitipupa LGA, Chairman, OSEB & former Commissioner, Mr Wale Ogunmade – Former Chairman, Okitipupa LGA, Chief Wole Akeremale – Pioneer APC Chairman, Okitipupa LGA and Barr Mrs Nike AdemujimI – Chairman, Micro Credit Agency, former Commissioner for Commerce, among others.
Senator Representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Adeniyi Adegbonmire SAN has bought Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms for over 300 secondary school students who are willing to further their education to higher institutions in his constituency.
In a statement issued by his Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Akinloye Bolarinde and signed by the Senator.
Adegbonmire disclosed that the gesture was aimed at assisting indegent students and to help in reducing burden on parents.
Adegbonmire who is the Chairman Senate Committee on Agriculture Colleges and Institutions, and Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary,Human Rights and Legal Matters urged the beneficiaries to study hard in order to come out in flying colors and secure admission into their preferred higher institutions of learning.
The statement added that prospective students are expected to have minimum five credits in WAEC, NECO or it equivalent with a credit pass in English and Mathematics.
While intending candidates will visit All Progressives Congress Party Secretariat in each Local Governments of Akure North, Ondo West, Ondo East, Ifedore, Idanre and those from Akure South LGA are expected to visit Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire SAN Campaign Office at No1 Adesida Road besides ‘A’ Division Police Station Akure for collection and submission of their forms starting from February 5, 2024 to February 16,2024.
Thereafter, return their forms back to various locations before 20th February 2024 to receive their already processed UTME Profile Pin.
The kind-hearted senator promised to award scholarship to two best students (male and female) from each Local Governments of his constituency to enable them further their studies.
He however appealed to all beneficiaries of the programme to shun all manner of social vices like internet fraud, cultism examination malpractices etc which are inimical to their academic performance.
It was an electrifying moment at the palace of the Ogbolu of Ita-Ogbolu when a son of the soil, an ex-Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Ondo State, Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa, was celebrated and honoured as a worthy ambassador of the community. The royal father of the town, a first class Oba, His Royal Majesty, Oba Idowu Faborode, led all the Chiefs, Obirin-iles, the Youths, and other community stakeholders to welcome and honour Ologunloluwa for displaying the omoluabi ethos, probity, integrity, diligence to work, compassion, and love synonymous with the Ita-Ogbolu people for Ondo State to see during his period as the Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development.
Oba Idowu Faborode applauds the past Governor of Ondo State, Late Arákùnrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, for spotting a useful tool and an uncommon material such as Ologunloluwa and consequently appointing him into his cabinet. The Royal Father also expresses his happiness that Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa didn’t disappoint the community while in office. The king relays how joyful he was when he got reports of how the people of Ondo State, most especially the Youths, and the Staff of the Ondo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, celebrated the Ex- Commissioner with positive testimonies while departing office, following the dissolution of the State Exco by the incumbent Governor, H.E. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa.
The Royal Father seizes the medium and led others to pray for Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa, the success of the government of H.E Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and the coming to fruition of the Governor’s good ambitions. Oba Idowu also relays his optimism that Ologunloluwa will continue to do the Ita-Ogbolu Community proud as usual in future leadership capacities and as an individual.
Appreciating the people of Ita-Ogbolu for such honour, celebration, and recognition of good representation of the image of the community, Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa thanks the people for their unwavering support always. He expresses optimism that the support would continue as he continues to represent the Community well anywhere.
The Ex-Commissioner uses the occasion to evangelise the governorship ambition of H.E. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to the people of Ita-Ogbolu both home and abroad. And in an unprecedented shout of acceptability, the Royal Father, Chiefs and all community stakeholders present echoed that; ” Ó di síse, aiyé ti gbó, òrún ti gbàá,” that is, the governorship ambition of Aiyedatiwa has received the imprimatur of God and the people. Ologunloluwa consequently supports the community with a sum of a million naira to complete the ongoing new palace project.
In his vote of thanks, the Town Council Chairman of the Community, Chief S.T Ojo appreciates the Royal Stool, the Chiefs, the Youths, the Women and all Stakeholders of Ita-Ogbolu Community for considering Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa worthy of such honour and celebration. He equally commends Ologunloluwa for his services to the development of Ita-Ogbolu community and Ondo at large while in office. The Chairman uses Hon. Leye Akinola as a point of contact and extends appreciation to all the APC faithfuls who had joined the entourage of the Ex-Commissioner from Iju, Igoba, Oba-Ile, Ogbese, Igbatoro, and other places to grace the event.
Advancing his readiness for the 2024 Ondo State gubernatorial election, the notable aspirant, Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, engaged with the executives of Ilaje Local Government within the All Progressive Congress (APC), ward chairmen and supporters of Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo across the twelve wards (12) in the local government yesterday.
Hon. Odimayo while addressing the party chieftains and supporters underscored his extensive academic, professional, and political background, asserting his capability to elevate Ondo State to greater heights. In his pursuit of the party’s nomination in the impending primaries, he sought the backing of the local APC executives, ward chairmen, leaders and party faithful.
The Chairman of APC in Ilaje Local Government, Apostle Adeboye Raphael extended a warm welcome to Hon. Odimayo, acknowledging his longstanding commitment to the APC. Apostle Raphael emphasized that Ilaje remains a second home for Odimayo. The party’s leaders and supporters of Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo, gathered in various locations to welcome the philanthropist and voiced their confidence in his aspiration as they pledged united efforts to secure his victory in the forthcoming primaries.
The meeting witnessed the presence of key political figures, including the Former Chairman of Old Ilaje Local Government, Hon. Anjorin Coker, Hon. Orowole Akinwale Adamson, Ilaje’s local government coordinator for Hon. Odimayo, Princess Aderonke, the APC Women Leader in Ilaje, Mr Sunday Ogungbamila, Chairman of Mahin ward, and Mr. Ogunfeyimi Adegbenro, Chairman of Ugbo Ward two among other notable individuals.
Accompanying the gubernatorial aspirant were prominent political leaders and associates, forming a robust entourage in anticipation of the forthcoming primary election.
Victor Adedeji, Director of Media to Omo’oba Jimi Odimayo,
Adewale Simon Adebayo is the Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council in Osun State, he spoke with our Correspondent on the Role of IPAC in fostering a peaceful,Conducive political atmosphere in Osun State in this interview.
What has been the contribution of IPAC to the growth of democracy and a violent-free political atmosphere in Osun State?
Ans- Despite few isolated incidents, IPAC played a crucial role in fostering a peaceful and conducive political atmosphere leading up to the elections in Osun State. We actively engaged with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency in the pre-election processes, emphasizing the importance of a level playing field for all political parties.
The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also plays an important role in promoting democracy and reducing political violence in Osun State. One way we do this is by facilitating dialogue and cooperation between political parties. For example, we organize regular meetings between party leaders to discuss issues of mutual concern and find ways to work together. We consistently advocated for issue-based campaigns, urging political parties to focus on policy discussion rather than resorting to violence or personal attacks. Through radio and print media, we disseminated messages of peace, emphasizing that political parties should prioritize the well-being of the state and its citizens above their individual ambitions.
In our capacity as IPAC, we intervened in intra-party conflicts, specifically addressing the tension between the “TOP” and “ILERI OLUWA” groups within the APC. We issued statements calling for restraint and emphasizing that Osun State should not be turned into a battleground for personal or party interests.
To further promote peace, we coordinated the signing of a peace accord by all political parties and their candidates. This agreement served as a commitment to peaceful conduct and respect for the electoral process.
Though our intent was to host a security summit aimed at preaching peace to all candidates and their followers, unfortunately, this event could not be realized. Nonetheless, our efforts to advocate for peace and non-violence remained unwavering.
While it is regrettable that incidents of violence occurred during the general elections, particularly in Ilesha, IPAC’s contributions and advocacy for a peaceful electoral process undoubtedly played a significant role in mitigating potential conflicts and fostering a relatively peaceful political atmosphere in Osun State.
You have spent three years as Chairman of IPAC, what are the challenges and success story of your administration.
Thank you for asking! I’ll start by saying that my time as IPAC Chairman has been both challenging and rewarding. One of the biggest challenges has been getting all of the political parties to work together and put aside their differences. It’s been difficult to find common ground and build trust, but we’ve made some progress. One of the successes has been increasing voter turnout and civic engagement. We’ve worked to educate citizens about the importance of voting and to encourage them to participate in the political process. This has been very gratifying.
Another challenge we’ve faced is the issue of campaign finance. There have been concerns about the influence of money in politics, and how it can distort the democratic process. IPAC has worked to promote transparency and accountability in campaign finance, and to ensure that all parties are following the rules and regulations. But this is an ongoing challenge, and it can be difficult to enforce the rules.
You’re a known critic of Governor Ademola Adeleke administration, is there anything personal between the two of you and is your stance not against IPAC objectives?
Thank you for raising this question. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify a misconception that being a critic of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration does not stem from any personal issue between us. It is important to note that IPAC is not an opposition body, but rather a platform for political parties to engage in democratic processes. As the Chairman of IPAC, it is my responsibility to provide an objective analysis of the policies and actions of all political leaders in the state. However, It is essential to distinguish between personal opinions and the broader goals of IPAC, which are centered around promoting democratic values and constructive political engagement.
Is IPAC relating its observations about government’s policies and programmes to the Adeleke administration?
No, the present government has not been running an inclusive government. Even if there are observations, the present government has not given room for IPAC to relate its observations about government’s policies and programmes to the Adeleke administration. The commissioner for Inter-Party Affairs has not called for a single meeting since he assumed office.We believe that open dialogue is crucial to ensuring that the government is responsive to the needs and concerns of the people of Osun State. IPAC as a body will continue to engage them in a constructive and respectful manner, and also do more of by engaging with citizens directly, beyond just communicating with the government. We want to hear directly from the people of Osun State about their concerns and priorities, so that we can better advocate for their interests.
What’s your assessment of the Adeleke administration in one year?
In one year, the Adeleke administration has shown potential for growth and progress. However, there is still room for improvement in areas such as Security, inclusive governance, transparency, and effective implementation of policies to ensure the welfare and development of the people of Osun State.
-6. You contested for Osun Central Senatorial election in 2023; how will you react to the outcome of that election?
It’s true that I contested for the Osun Central Senatorial seat in the 2023 election, and I would like to thank all of the people who supported me in that endeavor. I am grateful for the opportunity to run for public office and to share my vision for the future of our state. While I am disappointed that I was not elected, I believe that the experience has been valuable, and I will continue to work hard to serve my community in other ways.
With your experience in the Osun 2022 governorship election and 2023 general elections, do you think a third force will make its way in Nigerian political system?
The rise of third force or independent candidates has been a topic of discussion in recent years, and I think it’s an important conversation to have. There are many factors that make it difficult for third force candidates to be successful in Nigeria, including the dominance of the two major political parties and the high cost of running for office. However, I do think that third force candidates can play an important role in shaping the political debate and holding the major parties accountable.
One thing that is crucial for the success of third force candidates is the need for electoral reform. The current system of voting and party registration is not conducive to the emergence of new political parties and independent candidates. I think we need to reform the electoral process to make it easier for third force candidates to run and for voters to have more choices.
The dominant political parties – APC and PDP have ruled Nigeria for more than 20 years and majority of people have expressed dissatisfaction about their administrations. Do you think a new political will do better? It’s true that many people have expressed frustration with the performance of the two major parties over the last 20 years. While it’s hard to say for certain how a new party would perform in power, I do think it’s important to have more choice and competition in the political system. More choice would force the major parties to be more responsive to the needs of the people, and it would also give citizens more options when it comes to choosing their leaders.
Another interesting question is whether a new party would be able to govern effectively. Even if a new party were to gain power, they would face a number of challenges, including entrenched interests and bureaucratic inertia. They would need to build a capable team of leaders and civil servants, and they would need to develop effective strategies for tackling the country’s many problems.
How will you describe to the dominance of aged and older people in the Nigerian political space. Is there a better or brighter chance for the youth?
The dominance of older people in Nigerian politics is often referred to as “gerontocracy,” and it’s a major issue that needs to be addressed. It’s not just about age; it’s about the tendency of older politicians to cling to power and resist change. This can make it difficult for younger people to gain a foothold in the political system. However, I do think there is hope for the youth. There are a growing number of young people who are involved in politics, and they are using technology and social media to get their voices heard.
You have not been supportive of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission activities recently. What is the issue between IPAC and OSIEC?
IPAC has concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of the activities of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC). We believe in the importance of free and fair elections, and it is imperative that OSIEC upholds these principles to ensure democratic processes are respected and upheld. IPAC is calling for OSIEC to be more open and to consult with stakeholders in the electoral process, including IPAC.
Has IPAC been monitoring palliative provisions to the state and what is your comment about Governor Adeleke administration handling of the palliative programmes? Your comment on the palliative given to the NASS members for distribution to constituents in the state.
IPAC has been monitoring the distribution of palliatives in Osun State, and we have noted some concerns. There have been reports of irregularities in the distribution of food items and other forms of assistance, and there is a lack of transparency in how the programs are being run. IPAC believes that the government needs to take more steps to ensure that the palliative programs are well-run and that they are reaching the people who need them most.
What are the critical areas you want the state government to address in 2024?
In 2024, we believe that the state government should prioritize education, health care, and infrastructure development. These are critical areas that have a direct impact on the lives of people in the state. For example, the education system needs to be improved to provide a quality education for all children, and health care should be accessible and affordable for everyone. Infrastructure projects, such as roads and bridges, can create jobs and improve the economy.
Are opposition parties really functional in Osun?
That’s a complex question. On the one hand, there are several opposition parties registered in Osun State, and they do participate in elections. However, they often face challenges in terms of resources and support, which makes it difficult for them to be truly competitive. Additionally, there are concerns about the independence of the electoral process, which can make it difficult for opposition parties to succeed.
Let’s talk more about the factors that can help or hinder the success of opposition parties in Osun State. One key factor is funding. Opposition parties often struggle to raise enough money to run effective campaigns. Another challenge is media coverage. The major parties often dominate the media, making it difficult for opposition parties to get their message out. Additionally, there is a perception among some voters that it is futile to vote for an opposition party, since they are not expected to win.
Exclusive Reporters 