The member representing Ekiti North Federal Constituency II in the House of Representatives, Hon. Akinlayo Kolawole, has dismissed speculations that another candidate has been endorsed to replace him ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that his re-election bid remains solid and unstoppable.
Akinlayo made the clarification in Ado-Ekiti during the April Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ekiti State Council, where he addressed growing rumours of political realignments within the constituency.
The federal lawmaker described the reports of any endorsement as false, insisting that no aspirant has received the backing of party leaders or constituents.
He expressed confidence in securing a second term, attributing his optimism to his close relationship with the people, accessibility, and the developmental projects he has facilitated across the constituency.
According to him, preparations for the 2027 elections have already commenced, revealing that he has begun moves to obtain his nomination form through the National Assembly Secretariat in Abuja.
Kolawole said his decision to venture into politics was inspired by the poverty and lack of opportunities he witnessed in rural communities, stressing that public office must be about service and meaningful impact.
He noted that his administration has focused on bringing federal presence closer to the grassroots through empowerment initiatives, education support, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development.
The lawmaker listed several interventions under his watch, including empowerment programmes for artisans, traders, and small business owners, bursary awards for indigent students, sponsorship of JAMB forms, youth employment, electrification projects, solar streetlights, road grading, and renovation of schools.
He added that many youths and women have benefitted from skills acquisition programmes, start-up grants, and distribution of work tools to encourage self-reliance.
Kolawole also disclosed that he has sponsored two establishment bills, one of which seeks the creation of a Federal School of Nursing in Ikosu-Ekiti, while two additional bills are currently in progress.
He said one of the pending bills seeks to reform the NYSC scheme to make it more beneficial to Nigerian youths, while the second focuses on creating alternative employment opportunities beyond white-collar jobs.
Speaking on security, the lawmaker recalled organising a security summit with traditional rulers during a period of rising insecurity in Ikun and neighbouring communities, which led to the recruitment of more local hunters and support for vigilante groups.
“In my constituency, nobody has been endorsed. There are no endorsements anywhere, only rumours. I am confident of victory because I am accessible, the people love me, and I love them,” he said.
Kolawole added that politics should not be about personal enrichment but about improving lives and ensuring constituents enjoy the dividends of democracy.
