The All Progressives Congress senatorial aspirant for Kwara South, Sola Ajimati, and House of Representatives aspirant for Ile-Oluji/Oke-Igbo and Odigbo Federal Constituency in Ondo State, Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, have called for greater inclusion of women and youths in Nigeria’s political leadership, insisting that both groups must play a central role in shaping the country’s democratic future.
In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, Ajimati said during his declaration in Abuja that stakeholders must go beyond merely managing challenges and instead adopt purposeful leadership and structured solutions.
He noted that while the district is endowed with abundant talent and human capacity, it has long lacked representation capable of translating that potential into tangible development outcomes, stressing that his intervention is aimed at bridging that gap.
Ajimati also explained that the “It’s Youth O’Clock Movement” is designed as a platform for responsible leadership and system-driven governance, focused on job creation, improved security, and restoring hope and dignity among the people.
He stated, “Kwara South is not short of talent. We are not short of strength. What we have lacked is representation that converts potential into real results. That is why we are here.
“Its Youth O’clock is not a slogan. It is a movement of responsibility. We are not here to make noise. We are here to build systems that work. Systems that will create jobs, secure our communities, and restore dignity and hope to our people.
“It’s Youth O’clock is more than a movement—it is a force. A force of young professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders rising with one purpose: To actively participate in politics, governance, and policymaking across Nigeria and beyond. Because the truth is simple—the future cannot be outsourced.”
The aspirant declared his determination to drive youth development and expand skills and economic opportunities for future generations.
He continued, “To drive youth development, expand skills and economic opportunities, and build a generation committed to nation-building. We are not waiting for change. We are stepping forward to lead it.
“And let me be clear—we are not making empty promises. We are focused on what is practical, achievable, and measurable. As your representative, our priorities are clear: We will advance security by pushing for stronger community protection and ensuring our people can live and work without fear.
“We will empower our youth, not with handouts, but with access to opportunities, enterprise, and real economic pathways. We will attract federal projects and infrastructure, ensuring Kwara South takes its rightful place in national development.
“We will strengthen education and skills so our young people are prepared, competitive, and productive. And we will practice transparent leadership, where you can see, track, and evaluate every step we take. This is not a theory. This is a focused representation.”
Similarly, Simisola Fajemirokun-Ajayi, who is seeking the APC ticket for the House of Representatives, spoke with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday after submitting her expression of interest and nomination forms.
She was accompanied by a broad coalition of political stakeholders, grassroots mobilisers, and influential party leaders, including women leaders drawn from across the state and her constituency.
The aspirant also drew attention to the economic potential of the constituency, noting the Ore industrial corridor, the vast bitumen deposits in Odigbo, and the cocoa-rich belt of Ile-Oluji as key assets that remain largely untapped.
She stated, “The Ore corridor moves more daily traffic than any single Nigerian airport. Odigbo sits atop one of the world’s largest bitumen deposits. Ile-Oluji anchors a cocoa belt that contributes to Ondo State’s twenty-five per cent share of national cocoa output, a crop that earned Nigeria over N3.6 trillion in a single year. The resources exist.
“The representation has not matched them. I have spent years working at the intersection of policy, investment, and governance. What matters is ensuring that this experience translates into real outcomes for our people across Ile-Oluji, Oke-Igbo, and Odigbo, with representation that is present, responsive, and delivers.”
She said her development agenda is centred on harnessing these resources to drive industrial growth, generate employment opportunities, and ensure sustainable economic development.
“I have spent years working at the intersection of policy, investment, and governance. What matters is ensuring that this experience translates into real outcomes for our people,” she stated.
Fajemirokun-Ajayi, a former Senior Special Adviser to the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said her ambition is driven by results, citing her role in facilitating over $150 million in investment pipelines and coordinating high-level regional engagements involving Heads of State.
She also noted her grassroots work through the Read2Succeed Africa initiative and her engagement with party structures and community stakeholders, describing it as a blend of global experience and local impact.
The aspirant said her decision to run is to amplify the voices of women and youths and ensure her constituency benefits from democracy, adding that elections give citizens the power to choose between continuity and change.
“Every election cycle presents an opportunity for the people to decide whether they are satisfied with the status quo or ready for something new. Democracy is about the people, and they will make that decision. Our responsibility is to show that women and young people can step forward, lead, and deliver on the mandates given to them,” she said.
However, she expressed concern about the low level of women’s participation and success in Nigerian politics, describing it as a gap that needs urgent attention.
“There is clearly a shortage of women in key elective positions, including the National Assembly. That must change. Representation should reflect all segments of society, and when given the opportunity, women have the capacity to represent effectively and inclusively,” she added.
The APC commenced the sale of expression of interest and nomination forms on April 28, with the exercise expected to end by midnight on May 6.
Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed the Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 6, 2027.
The Commission also stated that party primaries and the resolution of related disputes will be held between April 23 and May 30, 2026.
INEC further announced that campaigns for the Presidential and National Assembly elections will commence on August 19, 2026, while those for Governorship and State Assembly elections will begin on September 9, 2026.
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