APC leader backs youth mobiliser’s assembly bid

Seriki also spoke about the changes in Oshodi over the past few years. He credited the improvements to the leadership of council Chairman, Kehinde  Almaroof, also known as Kendoo.

He said the area has seen major improvements, such as new roads, better lighting and updated public spaces, which have enhanced infrastructure, security, and development. As a result, it is now more accessible and appealing than it was seven or eight years ago.

He urged youths in the area to support trustworthy candidates from their community. He warned them not to neglect backing their own during elections.

The Oshodi chapter of the Progressive Youth Movement (PYM) organised the endorsement. They named Alakija as their preferred candidate for the Oshodi/Isolo State Constituency 1 seat.

Gideon Balogun, the group’s convener, announced that years of poor representation and broken promises led them to this decision.

“We can no longer wait or condone empty promises. We have tested him, and he has delivered. This time, we are asking him not to step down for anybody,” Balogun said.

He said the local youths funded the event themselves and stressed that no political officeholder sponsored it.

Balogun criticised previous representatives. He accused them of losing touch with the community and of failing to deliver on key projects.

“We want effective representation. We don’t want leaders who disappear after elections and only return when they need votes again,” he said.

Rafiu Adenopo, PYM Secretary-General, said the event sent a clear message to party leaders to consider the views of youths in candidate selection.

He challenged the representative to show how he had improved residents’ lives and to demonstrate that things were better than four years ago.

“The answer is no. That is why we are here to support someone we believe will make a difference,” Adenopo said.

In response to the endorsement, Alakija thanked the youths for their trust and expressed that the moment reflected their shared desire for better representation.

He said his political views were shaped when he was a student union leader. At that time, he learned about pro-democracy groups like the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

Alakija also expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and leadership. He also noted that opinions on the issue may differ.

He said reforms such as entrepreneurship programmes, education grants, and youth employment schemes have helped tens of thousands of young people start businesses, return to school, and secure jobs. These achievements empower youth to play a bigger role in the country’s growth, he added.

Alakija said that greater funding for small businesses and skill training empowers young people. “These opportunities make them more independent and prepare them for the future,” he said.

Speaking about his goals, he promised to deliver real results if elected. He said public office should not be seen as a retirement plan. “My work will speak for itself. People will see it, feel it, and verify it. The impact will be visible across the community,” he said.

He criticised starting projects only near election time. He promised to begin work early in his term if elected.

Alakija also said he would focus on supporting ongoing development in Oshodi. He will prioritise infrastructure, education, and social services.

Four years ago, Alakija stepped down in favour of the incumbent lawmaker, Kayode Stephen Ogundipe, after the party intervened.

Since then, he has been engaged in youth-centred engagements in the APC within his locality.