By Comr. Adetunji Habeeb_

It is both a privilege and a profound honour for the good people of Odeda/Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency to acknowledge and appreciate the remarkable legislative performance and developmental strides of *Hon Olumide Osoba, fondly called Mr. Project*. His tenure in the House of Representatives has been widely recognized for its visible impact, people-oriented initiatives, and unwavering commitment to grassroots development.

The mandate to represent this great Federal Constituency at the National Assembly is a sacred trust bestowed by the people. In this regard, Hon. Olumide Osoba has continued to justify that confidence through effective representation, strategic facilitation of projects, and consistent engagement with the needs and aspirations of the electorate. His performance has not only elevated the profile of the constituency but has also strengthened the progressive ideals upon which our party stands.

It is important to clarify that *Hon. Jamiu Keshinro* has not publicly disputed the developmental achievements and legislative competence demonstrated by Hon. Osoba. His intervention appears largely rooted in the argument of zoning within Abeokuta North Local Government. However, a careful examination of the historical representation of the constituency reveals that the zoning narrative, as presented, lacks both accuracy and balance.

A careful review of the political history of Ogun Central clearly debunks such claims.

For instance, *Abeokuta North Local Government has consistently occupied the Ogun Central Senatorial seat* at various periods, including:

1. *2003 – 2007*: Represented by *Ibikunle Amosun*
2. *2007 – 2011*: Represented by *Iyabo Obasanjo*
3. *2015 – 2019*: Represented by *Lanre Tejuoso*
4. *2019 – 2023:* Again represented by *Ibikunle Amosun*

These historical records clearly demonstrate that Abeokuta North has enjoyed significant representation at the highest legislative level within Ogun Central. Therefore, any narrative suggesting the marginalisation of Abeokuta North does not align with the political realities and historical facts.

Furthermore, historical representation within the *Odeda/Abeokuta North/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency* must also be accurately presented. Between *2015 and 2019*, the Federal Constituency was represented by *Mikhail Adeyemi Kazim from Abeokuta North Local Government*. It was only in *2019* that the representation rotated back to *Obafemi Owode Local Government* with the election of *Hon. Olumide Osoba*.

Significantly, the year *2015* remains a critical reference point in this discussion. During that period, both the *Ogun Central Senatorial seat and the House of Representatives seat for this Federal Constituency were occupied by individuals from Abeokuta North Local Government, namely Senator Lanre Tejuoso and Hon. Mikhail Kazim*. This political arrangement created an imbalance that many stakeholders across the constituency considered unfair at the time.

It is therefore important that the political leadership of the constituency avoids repeating such an imbalance, especially as several aspirants from *Abeokuta North* are already positioning themselves for the *Ogun Central Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027* elections. Allowing the same local government to simultaneously pursue dominance over both the Senate and House of Representatives positions could recreate the same political inequity experienced in 2015.

Based on this established pattern, it could be reasonably argued that *Odeda Local Government* may be next in line for the slot in the spirit of fairness and inclusiveness. However, the current political reality also shows that Odeda Local Government already occupies several strategic positions within the state’s political architecture, including the *Ogun Central Senatorial seat, the State APC Chairmanship, and the Speakership of the Ogun State House of Assembly*.

Furthermore, the aspiration of Hon. Olumide Osoba to seek a *fourth term* should not be portrayed as an anomaly. Across Nigeria’s democratic history, several lawmakers have served multiple terms based on the confidence reposed in them by their constituents. A notable example is Femi Gbajabiamila, who represented Surulere I Federal Constituency in Lagos State for six consecutive terms between 2003 and 2023, eventually rising to the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Democracy thrives on continuity, experience, and proven capacity. Where a legislator has demonstrated competence, delivered tangible projects, and maintained strong connections with the electorate, the people often choose continuity to consolidate progress. Hon. Olumide Osoba’s legislative record, developmental footprint, and accessibility to the grassroots provide compelling reasons why many constituents believe his re election would further strengthen representation and accelerate development within the constituency.

It must also be emphasized that the Constitution of the *Federal Republic of Nigeria* guarantees every qualified citizen the right to contest elective office. Members of the House of Representatives are eligible to seek re-election for as many terms as the electorate deem fit, except where tenure ends through resignation, death, or dissolution. Therefore, Hon. Olumide Osoba’s aspiration remains entirely legitimate and constitutionally protected.

At this critical moment, political discourse within our great party should be guided by facts, fairness, and the collective interest of the constituency. Baseless accusations and divisive narratives do little to strengthen the unity and progressive spirit that have long defined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State.

What the people ultimately desire is effective representation, sustained development, and visionary leadership. If a leader continues to demonstrate these qualities, the decision to renew his mandate rightly belongs to the people of Odeda, Abeokuta North, and Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency.

In the end, democracy remains the marketplace of ideas, and the will of the people must always prevail.

Regards,

_Comr. Adetunji Habeeb_
_Former, Ogun state Board member_