By Oluwagbemiga Toye
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs.) Olufunke Owoseni, has formally declared to contest the House of Representatives seat for Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency I in the 2027 general elections.
Chief (Mrs)Owoseni made the declaration at the APC Secretariat in Ijesa-Isu Ekiti amid a large turnout of party faithful, community leaders and residents who gathered to demonstrate support for her aspiration.
Speaking at the event, the aspirant emphasized the need for greater inclusion of women in governance, particularly at the National Assembly. According to her, women possess strong managerial and leadership capabilities that can significantly enhance good governance and national development.
“Women are effective managers both at home and in the society. With increased female representation in the House of Representatives, Senate and states House of Assembly, we can guarantee more responsive and people-oriented governance,” she said, stressing that women are proactive in addressing societal and developmental challenges.
Chief (Mrs)Owoseni, an indigene of Ijesa-Isu Ekiti, a former APC Women Leader in Ekiti State and former Caretaker Chairman of Ikole Local Government, pledged to champion policies and programmes that will promote inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and equitable distribution of democratic dividends across the constituency.
Highlighting her legislative agenda, she promised to focus on: Sponsorship of people-oriented bills and motions that address local and national challenges,
Facilitation of federal projects such as roads, schools, healthcare centres and rural electrification. Also, Empowerment programmes for women, youths and small-scale entrepreneurs and
Advocacy for improved education, healthcare, agricultural development; and Strengthening oversight functions to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
She assured constituents of effective and quality representation that would improve socio-economic wellbeing that will give Ikole/Oye Federal Constituency (I) a stronger voice at the National Assembly.
The aspirant also called on residents to support Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the forthcoming June 20 election, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, expressing confidence in their leadership and reform-driven agenda. While commending Governor Oyebanji’s performance, Owoseni noted that his administration has renovated maternity and general hospitals in Ijesa-Isu. She expressed optimism that road infrastructure in the area would receive attention in his second term, urging residents to remain patient and supportive. She also lauded the efforts of the First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, particularly her Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH) initiative, which she said has positively impacted vulnerable groups, especially women and children across the state.
On national issues, Owoseni appealed to Nigerians to exercise patience with the policies of President Tinubu, noting that although some reforms may be challenging, she said they are necessary steps toward building a more resilient and sustainable economy.
Earlier, party leaders, supporters and residents of Ijesa-Isu commended Owoseni’s track record in public service and community development. They cited her achievements during her tenure as Women Leader and Caretaker Chairman, including road rehabilitation projects, scholarship schemes for support students, skills acquisition and empowerment initiatives for women and youths.
In his remarks, her husband, Chief Paul Owoseni, expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support shown by the people. He assured constituents that his wife would deliver impactful and responsive representation based on her wealth of experience in politics.
The declaration event later took on a celebratory atmosphere as supporters marched through major streets of Ijesa-Isu in a carnival-like procession, chanting songs of endorsement. Various groups, including drivers’ unions, commercial motorcyclists, market women, artisans and civil servants, turned out in large numbers to affirm their backing for her candidacy.