Residents back House of Reps aspirant for Ikeja seat
Residents of Ikeja Federal Constituency yesterday rallied behind philanthropist Olalekan Ayinla, urging him to contest for the House of Representatives seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC)
Residents of Ikeja Federal Constituency yesterday rallied behind philanthropist Olalekan Ayinla, urging him to contest for the House of Representatives seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next general election.
The supporters, who gathered in Ikeja, presented him with nomination and expression of interest forms to register their support.
Declaring his intention to vie for the party’s ticket, Ayinla anchored his ambition on five pillars: economic empowerment, youth development, infrastructure growth, people-centred governance and traffic management.
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He said his aspiration is to reposition Ikeja from a consumption-driven system to a productivity-based economy.
“My mission is to move our people from an era of dependency to one where opportunities are created. Ikeja is a strategic commercial hub and must attract policies that will position it globally,” he said.
Ayinla emphasised grassroots engagement, noting that his political approach is rooted in understanding constituents’ needs and aspirations.
“I have a grassroots connection with the people. I understand their challenges and expectations. If we desire a different outcome, we must act now,” he said.
He also called for bold leadership, questioning the pace of development in the constituency over the years.
“For many years, people have waited for tangible progress. We must decide whether we are satisfied with the current situation or ready for real change,” he added.
The aspirant thanked his supporters for what he described as a collective call to service and pledged to run an inclusive campaign.
“This is not just about me; it is about the future of our constituency. We must work together to achieve meaningful change,” he said.
Ayinla noted that his declaration marks the beginning of broader consultations across the constituency and that his campaign will focus on engaging residents and presenting a clear development agenda.
Speaking, an APC leader in Ikeja, Solomon Johnson, who volunteered as Director-General of the Ayinla Campaign Organisation, said the decision to present the nomination form followed extensive consultations among stakeholders.
He commended Ayinla’s philanthropic efforts in the constituency, noting that he has impacted lives despite not holding public office.
“We believe he has the capacity to represent Ikeja Federal Constituency effectively. That is why we have come together to present this form to him,” he said.
Prayers were also offered for the aspirant and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the next general election, with supporters expressing confidence in delivering votes from the constituency.
