By Adewole Ojo
The recent call for equity in the 2027 Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency seat has generated conversations across our constituency.
While every citizen has the right to express views on the political future of Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, it is important that such discussions are guided by maturity, fairness, and a sincere commitment to the collective progress of our people.
First, the issue of equity must be properly understood.
The Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency is a political structure jointly owned by the people of the two local governments.
As long as any candidate emerges from within Egbeda or Ona-Ara, equity has already been respected.
The true cause for concern would only arise if a candidate were imposed from outside the constituency entirely.
Since that is not the case, the conversation should not be reduced to sentiments or narrow territorial considerations.
While the call for zoning or rotational understanding may come from genuine intentions, no group should attempt to impose sentiment as the sole determining factor in choosing a representative.
Political parties already have established procedures and democratic mechanisms for selecting candidates.
These structures exist precisely to ensure that the best individual emerges through consultation, consensus, and due process.
It would therefore be inappropriate to attempt to pressure or patronise political actors especially within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) into adopting a predetermined position.
PDP leaders and stakeholders within the constituency are politically experienced and well-grounded.
They understand the responsibility before them and possess the wisdom to determine who truly has the capacity to represent the people effectively.
What should guide the conversation at this stage is not merely where a candidate comes from, but what a candidate can offer.
If Egbeda and Ona-Ara truly desire quality representation in the Federal House of Representatives come 2027, the priority must be placed on:
* Competence and proven ability
* Exposure and understanding of governance
* Cerebral capacity to articulate and defend constituency interests
* Youthful energy capable of driving innovation and development
* A track record of humility and service to the people
* Clear developmental initiatives that can transform the constituency
These are the qualities that produce impactful legislators, not narrow political calculations.
The National Assembly is not merely a ceremonial platform; it is a serious legislative institution that demands intellectual capacity, strategic thinking, and the ability to attract meaningful development to the constituency.
Our people deserve a representative who can speak boldly, negotiate effectively, and deliver tangible dividends of democracy to both Egbeda and Ona-Ara.
In this regard, many observers and stakeholders have continued to point to Hon. Tosin Alabi as one of the aspirants whose profile reflects these essential qualities. His youthful strength, exposure, competence, humility, and clear developmental vision position him as a promising figure capable of advancing the collective interests of the constituency.
This is not to diminish the aspirations of others; democracy welcomes healthy competition.
However, the central question must remain: who is best prepared to deliver effective representation for Egbeda and Ona-Ara?
Our constituency stands at a critical moment.
The decision we make in 2027 must not be driven by sentiment or pressure from interest groups. Rather, it must be guided by merit, competence, and the genuine desire to move the constituency forward.
Let us therefore encourage constructive dialogue and allow the established democratic processes within our political parties to run their course.
In the end, what the people of Egbeda and Ona-Ara deserve is a competent, youthful, exposed, humble, and development-driven representative.
Those who sincerely seek the progress of our constituency should unite around these principles.And when these standards are carefully considered, Hon. Tosin Alabi clearly stands as a strong option worthy of the people’s support.
Adewole Ojo Writes From Ona-ara local government
