Ikole youths endorse Dare Owolabi for Senate
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
The youths of Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State have thrown their weight behind the aspiration of Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi to represent the area in the Senate.
The youths, in a statement after a meeting in Ikole, on Tuesday, said they considered all candidates and decided that Owolabi would better represent their interest.
“We, the concerned youth and stakeholders of Ikole Local Government, hereby, wholeheartedly endorse Otunba Oluwadare Owolabi as our preferred candidate for the Senate seat,” they stated.
The statement, signed by Comrade Alonge Kehinde and Comrade Oluwafemi Lekan, noted that the endorsement was borne out of justice, fairness, competence, and the collective aspiration of the people of Ikole.
“Since the return of democracy in 1999, Ikole Local Government has never been given the opportunity to produce a senator, despite our enormous contributions to the political strength, population, and electoral success of our party and the state at large.
”For over two decades, other local governments within the district have had the privilege of producing representatives at the Senate, while Ikole has remained sidelined. We believe strongly that this is our time and the demand for equity makes our call both timely and justified,” the youths said.
They contended that Otunba Owolabi stood out as a man of proven capacity, political experience, grassroots connection, and unwavering commitment to the progress of our people.
“We are confident that he possesses the leadership qualities, vision, and courage needed to represent not only Ikole Local Government, but also the entire district, effectively in the National Assembly.
“As the largest and one of the most politically active local governments in the district, Ikole deserves this opportunity. Our people have paid their dues, remained loyal, and consistently delivered during elections.
“Therefore, it is only fair that the Senate ticket be ceded to Ikole Local Government in the spirit of inclusion, justice, and balanced representation.
“We, hereby, call on all the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, political stakeholders, party executives, elders, and opinion leaders to support this noble cause and stand with the people of Ikole in ensuring that this long-awaited dream becomes a reality.
“This position was reached after a joint meeting of youth groups, stakeholders, and community representatives. Ikole deserves the Senate ticket; this is our time and Oluwadare Owolabi is the right choice,” they said.
