Hundreds of youths in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital on Saturday staged a protest against what they described as alleged attempts to impose a candidate ahead of the 2027 House of Representatives election for Ado/Irepodun- Ifelodun federal constituency.
They declared that the constituency “will no longer be silent” in the face of what they termed poor representation over the past eight years.
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The protest, held under the theme “Ado Will No Longer Be Silent,” drew participants from all 13 political wards in Ado-Ekiti, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Enough of Unproductive Representative,” “Stop Unproductive Representative,” “Don’t Foist Incompetent Aspirant on Ado,” and “Ado-Ekiti Deserves Better – Otoge.”
Addressing the crowd, Convener of the Ado APC Concerned Youths, Adeleye Stephen said the rally was not organised to promote any particular aspirant but to demand accountability and credible representation as the party prepares for its primaries next month.
“Today, we are not gathered on behalf of any aspirant. We are here as concerned sons and daughters of Ado to ask hard questions about our yesterday and today, so that we can secure a better future,” he said.
He noted that the large turnout of youths signaled a growing awareness and determination among the younger population to influence the political direction of the constituency.
The group decried what it described as the lack of tangible legislative impact in the constituency over the last eight years, insisting that the people deserved better representation at the National Assembly.
According to him, ” Eight years is not eight days. For eight long years, we have watched, we have waited, and we have endured. Eight years is more than enough time to leave footprints in the sand of history.
“A representative is not sent to Abuja to occupy a seat in silence. A representative is sent there to speak, move motions, sponsor bills, attract development, and empower the people.”
While acknowledging that some interventions had been recorded, the youths described them as grossly inadequate.
“Yes, we have seen a few solar street lights and some empowerment programmes. But we must ask ourselves: can ₦5,000 build a life? Can it create a business? Can it solve unemployment? The answer is no.”
The group, however, commended the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, for what it described as impactful leadership, noting that his style of governance had demonstrated that public office could be used to positively transform lives.
The youths also applauded the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State for upholding the democratic principle that all aspirants should be given a level playing field where consensus cannot be reached.
“Competition strengthens legitimacy, and fairness builds trust. That is the beauty of democracy,” the convener noted.
In a direct appeal, the group called on Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, to remain neutral amid what they described as growing concerns over alleged attempts to influence the choice of candidate.
He emphasised that Ado-Ekiti people would resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights, insisting that the will of the people must prevail.
“Ado is not a person without a voice. We are not people without a choice. No one should impose a candidate on us, no matter how highly placed or influential.
“Let us continue to speak, demand accountability, and choose a representative who will not only sit in Abuja but will stand for Ado and Irepodun/Ifelodun,” Tajudeen concluded.
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