Ogun LG stakeholders commend Tinubu’s electoral reforms, applaud Abiodun’s rural road initiative

Stakeholders in Yewa North Local Government Area (YNLGA) have commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the amended Electoral Act into law, describing the move as a major milestone in strengthening internal party democracy and deepening Nigeria’s electoral process.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Salako, made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government Congress held in Ayetoro. He described the reform as a landmark achievement that restores power to the grassroots and promotes transparency, fairness, and accountability within political parties.

Dr. Salako explained that the amended Act abolishes the indirect primary (delegate) system and limits political parties to either direct primaries—where all registered members participate in voting—or a consensus arrangement, where aspirants agree on a single candidate. According to him, the reform is designed to strengthen internal democracy and reduce undue influence in candidate selection processes.

Elder statesmen, including Alhaji Bisiriyu Popoola and former Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Suraj Adekunbi, in their separate remarks, said the removal of the delegate system would significantly reduce manipulation and the imposition of candidates. They noted that empowering party members at the grassroots would foster inclusiveness and enhance credibility within the political system.

Similarly, the Women Leader, Mrs. Folashade Ogunola, observed that the reform would boost participation at the ward level and encourage broader engagement, particularly among women and young people.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Housing, Jagunmolu Jamiu Omoniyi, and the Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, welcomed the development, stressing that the changes would enhance inclusiveness and curb political godfatherism. They maintained that strengthening grassroots participation remains essential to sustaining democratic values.

While applauding the electoral reforms, stakeholders also highlighted the ongoing infrastructural drive of Governor Dapo Abiodun across Ogun State. They noted that extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects in rural communities have improved mobility, boosted commercial activities, and strengthened public confidence in governance.

According to them, the administration’s focus on rural road development has enhanced access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities, thereby improving the socio-economic well-being of residents. They described the projects as practical evidence of responsive governance and a commitment to balanced development across the state.

The stakeholders concluded that meaningful electoral reform, combined with impactful infrastructure development, signals a promising direction for democratic consolidation in Ogun State and Nigeria at large.