Youths in Ekiti pledge to fight against forced choice for senate seat

The Ekiti North Progressive Youth Alliance, a political group, is advocating for Ikole Local Government Area to produce the next senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, based on principles of equity, justice, and fair play.

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Tayelolu Ajayi, the EKNPYA Coordinator, emphasized that Ikole has not had a senator since Nigeria's transition to democracy, and therefore, "equity, fairness, and justice demand that the next senator for the senatorial district should come from Ikole Council area).

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Ajayi criticized an alleged plot by some politicians to return National Assembly tickets to current holders, despite their perceived poor performance, warning that such a move would be met with resistance.

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In a statement issued on Sunday at Ido Ekiti, the headquarters of Ekiti North Senatorial District, the EKNPYA coordinator also rejected a proposed consensus arrangement for some National Assembly members from the district.

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It is worth noting that all nine National Assembly seats from Ekiti State are currently held by members of the All Progressives Congress, including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu, and Cyril Fasuyi.

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Ekiti North Senatorial District is comprised of five local government areas: Ikole, Oye, Ido/Osi, Moba, and Ilejemeje, highlighting the diversity of the district.

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Ajayi argued that suppressing other aspirants through a consensus arrangement is a form of "political fraud" that would be rejected by voters, and that automatic return of lawmakers to the National Assembly is undemocratic.

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In making a case for Ikole, Ajayi stated that allowing the local government to present a candidate for the senatorial seat would "entrench the doctrines of justice, equity, and fairplay" in the district's political landscape.

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The group urged stakeholders to prioritize excellence, noting that the district has competent professionals who can drive development and progress.

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Ajayi emphasized that "equity, fairness, and strategic thinking" must guide decision-making, and that it is time to consider Ikole Local Government's candidacy for the senatorial seat, as they "deserve a fair shot" by all standards of balance and justice.

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Despite being the largest local government area in Ekiti North and second only to Ado Ekiti in the state, Ikole has yet to produce a senator since the return to democracy, highlighting a longstanding imbalance that must be addressed.

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Ajayi stressed that true representation is essential, and would bring about strategic infrastructure projects, empowerment programs, and legislative advocacy that would translate into real benefits for constituents.