Youth groups from across Akoko North West Constituency II in Ondo State have declared their support for the candidacy of Hon. Remilekun Niyi Aribisala, Esq., in the race to represent the constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly.
The youths, drawn from different political backgrounds and affiliations, made their position known during a strategic meeting with Aribisala in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The groups said their decision followed extensive consultations and an assessment of the political landscape in the constituency, stressing that their support was based on what they described as competence, capacity, character, accessibility and grassroots connection.
They also rejected the argument in some quarters that political representation in the constituency should be determined by a rotational arrangement.
According to the youths, the principle of rotation should not be selectively applied, noting that the constituency’s current representation in the House of Representatives has remained in place for almost eight years without rotation.
They also cited the senatorial level, arguing that the ruling party at the federal level had not consistently subjected its senatorial ticket to rotational arrangements.
The groups maintained that the primary consideration for the House of Assembly seat should be the capacity of the candidate to effectively represent the interests of constituents.
“What Constituency II needs now is not where a candidate comes from, but what he carries,” the youths said, highlighting experience, accessibility, grassroots appeal and an understanding of the challenges facing residents as key considerations.
They described Aribisala as a grassroots politician with longstanding connections to the people of the constituency, saying he understands the communities and wards and has demonstrated commitment to youth development and community progress.
The youths further said they considered him capable of providing what they described as purposeful, responsible and responsive representation at the Ondo State House of Assembly.
Responding, Aribisala expressed appreciation to the youths for their support and described them as resilient and objective in their political engagement.
He said his observations of the youths in the constituency had shown that they were not easily swayed and were capable of making independent decisions based on issues they considered important.
Aribisala promised that, if elected, he would strive to set a new benchmark for leadership and work towards making Akoko North West Constituency II a reference point for effective representation in Ondo State.
He also solicited the continued prayers and support of the youths, while assuring them that his campaign organisation would soon be inaugurated.
According to him, the campaign structure would extend across the communities in the constituency and operate around clearly defined strategic priorities.
The meeting ended on a positive note, with the participating youth groups reaffirming their support for Aribisala’s aspiration.
