Osun Assembly Aspirant, Asiri Ede Promises Grassroots-focused Representation, Seeks APC Excos’ Backing

Alhaji Abdulateef Olalekan, popularly known as Asiri Ede and an aspirant for the Ede South House of Assembly seat, has pledged to prioritise grassroots development and inclusive representation if given the party’s ticket, as he met with All Progressives Congress (APC) executives in Ede South and Ede East.

Asiri Ede said his aspiration was driven by the need to ensure that constituents benefit more directly from governance, adding that he intends to focus on community-based development, youth engagement, and stronger linkages between the people and government.

He made the appeal during a consultative visit to local government executives of the APC, where he formally informed them of his intention and sought their support ahead of the party’s selection process.

He, also charged members of the party in the area not to relent in their efforts to mobilise viters for the party gubernatorial candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji in the coming governorship election.

According to Asiri Ede, Oyebamiji popularly known as AMBO, has all what it takes to take the state to the greater heights if given the mandate to rule the state.

He said: “What I want to do differently is to ensure that representation is felt at the grassroots. Our people should not only hear about the government, they should see it in their daily lives through projects, opportunities, and proper engagement,” he said.

“That is why I am here, to seek your support, your prayers, and your guidance.”

“And I want urge each and every one of us to continue preaching the gospel of Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, our party flagbearer to every nooks and crannies of our constituency. If he emerge victorious, our incoming Governor has it in plans to boost Osun’s economic prosperity. He will attract agro-processing. He is capable of achieving this”, he said.

The Ede South APC Chairman, Alhaji Kazeem Oluogun, who was represented by Alhaji Waheed Agboola, Party Chairman Ede East LCDA, described the visit as timely and commendable, saying the party would continue to encourage aspirants who show commitment to development and party unity.

“We are happy that you have come to us first as a family. In politics, consultation is very important, and you have done the right thing by meeting the leadership at different levels,” Oluogun said through his representative.

“As a party, we are looking for credible, accessible, and committed individuals who can truly represent the people. We will listen to all aspirants, but we will also consider character, loyalty, and capacity.”

He added that the party would not impose any candidate unfairly but would ensure a transparent internal process.

Echoing similar views, another local exco member, Lateef Adewale Muraina, offered prayers for the aspirant, urging him to remain focused and peaceful in his engagements.

“We pray that God guides your steps and strengthens you in this journey. Continue to be calm, continue to engage people, and let your intention remain clear and peaceful,” he said.

Muraina commended Asiri Ede’s consistency within the party, describing him as someone who had remained loyal even during difficult political moments.

“Let me say this clearly, since I have known him, he has never been the type that jumps from one party to another party. Even when things were not smooth in the party, he stayed,” the exco member said.

“That kind of loyalty matters in politics. The party will not be making a mistake if it considers him. He knows the structure, he respects the leadership, and he understands the people.”

The executive further noted that the aspirant’s decision to personally visit party leaders showed respect for due process, adding that such engagement would be considered as the party continues consultations.

Enss

People who support the APC candidate in the coming Osun gubernatorial election usually point to a few core reasons. I’ll lay out the main arguments APC supporters are making on the ground right now in Osun:

*1. Alignment with the Federal Government*
– *Access to federal projects & funds*: APC currently controls the federal government. Supporters argue that having an APC governor makes it easier for Osun to attract federal allocations, special grants, and infrastructure projects because the state and federal governments would be “speaking the same language.”
– *Policy synergy*: Federal programs like conditional cash transfers, school feeding, and agriculture interventions are often easier to implement when state and federal are same party.

*2. Party’s Track Record in Osun & Southwest*
– *Infrastructure focus*: APC supporters cite projects from past APC administrations in Osun — roads like Osogbo-Ikirun, Gbongan-Akoda, school renovations under O’School, and health center upgrades.
– *Continuity of programs*: The party says it wants to continue/expand programs like O’YES for youth employment, O’Meal for school feeding, and IleriOluwa social interventions started under previous APC governors.

*3. Current Candidate’s Specific Pitch*
The specific reasons depend on who APC fields, but the 2026 campaign talking points have centered on:
– *Economy & IGR*: Plans to boost Osun’s Internally Generated Revenue beyond civil servant salaries, attract agro-processing and mining investment.
– *Agriculture*: Leveraging Osun’s cocoa, cassava, and gold belt. Promises of farm settlements, tractors, and off-taker deals for farmers.
– *Salary/pension reforms*: APC candidates have been pledging to clear pension backlogs and pay salaries by 25th monthly — a big issue in Osun’s civil-service heavy economy.
– *Security*: Localized Amotekun strengthening and using federal security synergy to tackle kidnapping in border areas like Ife/Ilesa axis.

*4. Party Structure & Zoning Arguments*
– *Political stability*: APC argues it has stronger ward/LGA structures for delivering governance and that internal zoning arrangements favor their candidate this cycle.
– *Experience*: The party often fields former commissioners, senators, or ministers who already know the federal system and “can hit the ground running.”

*Who this resonates with*: Voters who prioritize federal access, who liked past APC infrastructure programs, and who believe a governor in the ruling party gives Osun more leverage in Abuja.

Osun elections are usually close and issues like payment of workers’ salaries, pension, LG autonomy, and candidate’s personal popularity often decide it more than party. PDP and Labour also have their own case for why voters should pick them.

Want me to break down how APC’s pitch compares to PDP’s or LP’s on specific issues like salaries, education, or roads?