Residents of Ikoyi town in Isokan local government council area of Osun State have warned political parties against campaigning in the community over alleged marginalisation and lack of development.
The community, through its youth representatives, specifically raised concerns about the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Accord, accusing both political parties of neglecting the area in terms of political representation and infrastructure.
Speaking with journalists at the weekend, the Youth Leader, Orolade Abiodun, who is also a palace chief, said the town had been sidelined in elective positions since the creation of Osun State.
He warned that unless urgent steps were taken to address the situation, political actors from the affected parties might not be allowed to canvass for votes in the community.
“We may not welcome them to canvass for votes if our demands are not met,” Abiodun said.
He appealed to key political figures, including Bisi Akande, Gboyega Oyetola, and Governor Ademola Adeleke, to ensure Ikoyi is given the opportunity to field candidates in forthcoming elections.
Abiodun stated that Ikoyi had never produced a candidate for the House of Representatives, despite other towns within the same federal constituency having held the position multiple times.
He urged the APC to cede its ticket to the town, stressing the need for fairness and inclusion in the political process.
On the state assembly seat, he explained that there had been a longstanding rotational agreement between Irewole and Isokan local governments since 1991.
“In our constituency, the arrangement has always been that representation rotates every four years between the two local governments to maintain balance,” he said.
He expressed concern over reports that the current arrangement might be altered, alleging that plans were underway to retain incumbents who had defected to the Accord Party.
“The current lawmaker is from Irewole, and it is now the turn of Isokan. We appeal to Accord stakeholders to return the ticket to Isokan in the interest of equity,” Abiodun added.
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