..Warn Against Imposition of Candidate
…Say Elemide’s Leadership Key to Retaining Speakership
By Olubiyi Sosanya
Youth members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 10 wards in Odeda State Constituency, Ogun State, on Wednesday declared their unwavering support for the return of the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, to the Assembly ahead of the 2027 elections.
The youths, who turned out in large numbers at Odeda, the headquarters of Odeda Local Government Area, insisted that Elemide has earned another term based on his performance and contributions to the constituency.
Their position follows rumours that some leaders within the APC were allegedly making moves to impose another candidate, reportedly a son of the state party chairman, on the constituency.
At the gathering, youth leaders from eight of the 10 wards, accompanied by their supporters, unanimously endorsed Elemide’s return, describing it as critical to sustaining development and political relevance in the area.
The leaders, who spoke one after another, emphasized that retaining Elemide in the Assembly would ensure that Odeda Constituency continues to occupy the position of Speaker in the state legislature.
According to them, the Speaker’s return is not only in the best interest of the constituency but also vital for the continued growth of Odeda Local Government.
They highlighted several developmental strides recorded under Elemide’s leadership in the last 18 months, including road construction, improved electricity supply, and provision of potable water.
The youths also commended the Speaker for initiating various empowerment programmes that have positively impacted residents, particularly young people in the constituency.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Youth Leader of Odeda Local Government, Comrade Oladipo Sobogun, noted that the youth had benefited immensely from Elemide’s representation.
Sobogun stressed that experience remains a key factor in governance and urged party members not to jeopardize the constituency’s advantage by supporting an untested candidate.
He warned that losing the Speakership position could diminish the political influence and development prospects of Odeda Local Government.
“We must not allow the Number Three position in the state to slip away from our constituency,” he said.
The resolution endorsing Elemide’s return was eventually adopted through a voice vote coordinated by the Secretary to Odeda Local Government, Hon. Oyekunle Adebayo.
The event ended with chants of solidarity and renewed commitment by the youths to mobilise support for the Speaker ahead of the next election cycle.
