A socio-political group in Kwara State, the Ifelodun/Oyun/Offa Constituency Development Forum, has raised concerns over what it described as years of inadequate representation and neglect in the Ifelodun, Oyun and Offa Federal Constituency.
The group also announced its endorsement of Ademola Bello, a seasoned businessman, for the House of Representatives seat under the All Progressives Congress party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing journalists in Omupo on Thursday, the coordinator of the forum, Hon. Ibrahim Kolawole said the decision followed consultations and an assessment of the constituency’s needs.
Kolawole, who described the forum as a non-partisan body committed to promoting unity, equitable development, and good governance across the three local government areas, stressed,
“Despite our enormous strengths, the constituency has not fully maximised its collective potential due to inadequate and ineffective representation over the years.”
He added, “Our constituency is a major contributor to commerce, agriculture, transportation and local enterprise development, with vibrant markets such as Owode-Offa and Ganmo serving as major centres of trade and food distribution.”
The coordinator also highlighted the contributions of farmers, traders, and professionals within the constituency, as well as its record in education and community development.
“A constituency with such economic strength, educational value and social relevance deserves a representative who can speak strongly, lobby effectively and attract visible dividends of democracy,” Kolawole insisted.
While announcing the group’s endorsement, he said Bello emerged as its preferred candidate after what he described as “extensive consultations and strategic meetings.
“After a careful review of available options, we are pleased to publicly declare our support for Hon. Ademola Bello for the House of Representatives,” he said.
Kolawole pointed out that Bello had presented a manifesto focusing on youth empowerment, infrastructure, economic growth, and inclusive governance.
“We are particularly encouraged by the fact that he is an energetic and progressive youth leader with the exposure and capacity needed to represent this constituency effectively,” he said.
The forum also cited Bello’s background in business development and telecommunications, alongside his academic qualifications, as factors that influenced its decision.
“These credentials show capacity, discipline, intelligence, and readiness for public service,” the coordinator maintained.
The group further called on the leadership of the All Progressives Congress at all levels to consider Bello for its ticket in the forthcoming elections, saying, “We appeal to the leadership of the party to give him the opportunity to fly its flag in the interest of competence, youth inclusion and the need to reposition our constituency.”
Speaking further, a member of the forum, Hon. Michael Garba disclosed that Bello’s decision to join politics was driven by a desire to address challenges facing communities within the constituency.
“After seeing the situation in parts of the constituency, especially Omupo, he decided to step forward to contribute to governance,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the endorsement comes amid early political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders across constituencies beginning to signal preferred candidates.
